Union Plus logo; Union Plus; Union Plus BenefitsMembers and their families are eligible to apply for Union Plus scholarships ranging from $500 to $4,000, but the deadline to be considered is quickly approaching with all applications due by noon EST on January 31, 2019.
Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended, and the required essays account for up to half of your total score. Applications are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators.

Isaiah’s Award Introduced

This year Union Plus has also introduced Isaiah’s Award for students who have a connection with the foster care system. Those applying will be asked to describe their personal, employment, volunteer experiences or career goals related to the foster care system.
Scholarship award recipients will be chosen by no later than May 31 and winners will be notified by mail during the first week of June.
The Union Plus Education Foundation has awarded more than $4.3 million in scholarships to students of union families and over 2,900 families have benefited.
For other eligibility requirements, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the “Eligibility” tab, located next to the “How it Works” tab.
Click here to apply.

BNSF_Color_LogoSpoon River College (SRC) of Canton, Ill., Carl Sandburg College (CSC) of Galesburg, Ill. and BNSF has partnered together to offer a new Rail Transportation & Power System Technology Certificate.

Students enrolled in the program will study circuits, hydraulics, welding, diesel tractor technology, engine systems, safety in the workplace and much more. Students will have classes at both SRC and CSC. CSC offers access to a BNSF switchyard where students will get hands-on experience. SRC and BNSF have donated equipment for students to use.

BNSF and SRC realized a while ago that current engine technicians (baby boomers) are getting ready to retire. BNSF’s business is booming and so they decided to take steps now to be ready for when the large number of employees retire.

Because of the distance (46 miles or about one hour) between SRC and CSC, the usual 18-week session that is standard for other degrees of this type at the college, has been condensed down into one eight-week session.

Students coming out of the one-year program (31 credit hours) will have obtained a certificate and the experience and training required to get a job with BNSF. Classes are set to start in the fall. SRC is accepting applications for the program now.