About the Scholarship

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.

Deadline to Apply
Completed applications must be received by the Chicago Federation of Labor by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Applications should be emailed to scholarship@chicagolabor.org. All parts of the application should be turned in at the same time.

Academic Application
English | Espanol | Polski

Random Application
English | Espanol | Polski

Congratulations to the winners of the
2025 William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship!

Sara Brundidge (IBEW Local 134)

Keira Casey (IBEW Local 134)

Katie Dwyer (IUOE Local 399)

James Faletti (West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571)

Aubrey Juga (Sheet Metal Workers Local 73)

Carolina Boss (SEIU Local 1)

Allie Downes (West Suburban Teachers Union Local 571)

Jessica Thunberg (Carpenters Local 1027)

Blake White (IUOE Local 399)

Nicole Yu (Cook County College Teachers Local 1600)