Robert G. Porter Scholars Program

Scholarship Sponsored by American Federation of Teachers

Overview
The Robert G. Porter awards include four renewable post-secondary scholarships of $8,000 each (disbursed over the course of degree completion) for high school seniors who are dependents of AFT members, plus ten one-time $1,000 implementation grants for AFT members pursuing projects or education that strengthen and grow their unions.

About Robert G. Porter
These awards honor Robert G. Porter, who served as secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers from 1963 to 1991. Porter was a lifelong union activist who advanced workers’ rights, supported civil rights, and worked to make the union a vehicle for professional development and justice.

Scholarship — Who May Apply
- The Porter scholarship program for students is open to graduating high school seniors.
- Applicants must be the child or legal dependent of an AFT member.
- The sponsoring AFT member must have been a member in good standing for at least one year.
- Children or legal dependents of AFT national, state or local union staff are ineligible.

Scholarship — Selection Criteria and Award Terms
- Four $8,000 scholarships are awarded based on academic record, community and school service, demonstrated leadership, work experience, letters of recommendation, special talents, an essay, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing working people’s interests and strengthening unions.
- The award is intended to support postsecondary study and is normally paid as four annual payments of $2,000 (totaling $8,000), though payment timing may extend up to six years depending on the recipient’s degree timeline.
- Scholarship funds must be used within six years of the award date.
- To receive payments after the first year, recipients must submit an annual transcript showing continued enrollment, satisfactory progress toward a degree, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.

Scholarship — Application Window and Notification
- Application window: December 1 through March 31.
- All scholarship recipients will be notified by June 30.
- You will receive an automatic confirmation when your application is completed; that confirmation serves as your receipt.
- Applications are now open; submit by 4/24/26.

Scholarship — Required Materials
- Complete the online application and provide the requested supporting documents (essays, recommendations, transcripts, etc.) as stated in the application portal.

Member Implementation Grants — Overview
- In Porter’s name, the AFT also awards ten one-time grants of $1,000 each to AFT members who propose concrete ideas or projects that help reclaim the promise of a more just society and build union capacity.

Grant — Who May Apply
- Any AFT member in good standing who has been a member for at least one year may apply.
- Applicants may include teachers, healthcare professionals, PSRPs, higher education faculty, early childhood educators, and public employees.
- AFT national, state and local union staff are not eligible to receive these grants.

Grant — Selection Criteria and Use of Funds
- Grants are judged on the applicant’s essay and implementation plan, with attention to the idea’s potential to promote a more just society, the feasibility of the plan, and the applicant’s commitment to advancing collective opportunities. The essay may include a statement of need or professional development goals, but evaluation focuses on the plan and its likely impact.
- Each grant is a single $1,000 payment and should be used within a reasonable timeframe to carry out the proposed work.
- If grant funds are applied to personal professional development, they must be spent at institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Funds may be used for costs directly related to implementing the member’s proposal.

Grant — Application and Notification
- Complete the online application and submit the required materials.
- A panel of academics, labor leaders and other experts will review applications and choose recipients.
- You will receive an automatic confirmation upon completing your application.
- All grant winners will be notified by June 30.

If you need help with the application or want clarification about required documents, tell me what you need and I’ll assist.