William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Chicago Federation of Labor
Each year, the Chicago Federation of Labor awards 10 William A. Lee Memorial Scholarships to high school seniors, five to the winners of the Academic Competition, and five to the winners of the Random Drawing. Applicants must choose to enter either the Random Drawing or Academic Competition for the William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship. Students are not eligible to enter both categories.
The Chicago Federation of Labor renamed the scholarship in 1985 to honor Mr. William A. Lee, the CFL’s longest-serving president. Mr. Lee devoted over 60 years to the cause of labor, civic and community service, with 38 of those years at the CFL.
WILLIAM A. LEE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Chicago Federation of Labor will award 10 William A. Lee Memorial Scholarships, valued at $2,000 each, to five winners of the Academic Competition and five winners of the Random Drawing. The funds may be used at any accredited college or university in the United States.
Scoring System
The winners will be determined based on both their academic achievements and their personal essay. The academic achievements will count as 75 percent of the overall score, with the essay making up the remaining 25 percent. For more information on the academic and essay requirements, see page 2 of the application. The top five students who score highest based on their overall academic achievements and their essay will win the scholarships.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a senior in high school and graduating in the spring of 2027.
- Either the applicant or the applicant’s parent must be a member in good standing of a CFL-affiliated union. To confirm a union’s affiliation status, please call 312.222.1000.
- The applicant must choose to enter either the Academic Competition or Random Drawing for the William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship. Students are not eligible to enter both categories. APPLICANTS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER BOTH CATEGORIES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM BOTH CATEGORIES. Scholarship winners will be notified by email in April 2027.