Scholarship Applications, ’26-’27 Academic Year

Education is important to TWU Local 556. Our Local is proud to sponsor the following five (5) scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year:

• The Charline Jenkins “CJ” Bostic Scholarship
• The Paul Gaynor Scholarship
• The Madeleine Howard Scholarship
• The Robert “Trebor” McDowell-Akins Scholarship
• The Gwen York Scholarship

More information on each scholarship is below, followed by the link to apply.

One scholarship per year will be awarded in the amount of $5,000 distributed at $1,250 over four years to a TWU Local 556 Member or their immediate family member. Scholarship selection is based on the Member or immediate family member’s admittance to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

One scholarship per year will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 to a Member of TWU Local 556. Scholarship selection is based on the applicant’s capacity for Leadership, growth, active involvement, and commitment to the Labor Movement.

One scholarship per year will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 to a TWU Local 556 Member or their immediate family member. Scholarship selection is based on the applicant’s capacity toward serving others.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who have demonstrated a level of service toward TWU Local 556, Organized Labor, or the Labor Movement.

One scholarship per year will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 to a TWU Local 556 Member or their immediate family member. Scholarship selection is based on the applicant’s capacity towards serving others.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who wish to pursue a degree in the mental health field.

One scholarship per year will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 to a Member of TWU Local 556.

Special consideration will be given to women aged 40 and higher, but applications will be accepted from TWU Local 556 Members of all genders and ages.

All applications and essay questions must be submitted electronically by June 22, 2026, with no exceptions.

Note: An immediate family member shall consist of dependent children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and committed partners children.

Applications will be judged and awarded by the TWU Local 556 Scholarship Committee consisting of the TWU Local 556 President or their representative, the Scholarship Committee Chairperson, and one individual from the academic or labor community. Awards will be announced by the end of August, 2026 and dispersed shortly after. Notice of the winners may be published in Union communications, including social media.

To access the applications electronically, please tap below.

🔗 Scholarship Application

The views contained herein do not necessarily represent those of TWU Local 556 or TWU International. The purpose of this email communication is intended only to educate and inform TWU Local 556 Members. It is not intended to officially establish or clarify past practice, Contract language, or grievance/arbitration positions. It is therefore not to be utilized or relied upon by any person or party as evidence of the Union’s position on any past practices, Contract language, grievances/arbitrations, or any other disputes or issues between TWU Local 556 and Southwest Airlines.