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| Corinne Demler |
The IAM congratulates Corinne Demler, daughter of IAM member Jill Gaskell of Local 276, Blanchardville, WI, on winning a $5,000 AFL-CIO/Union Plus “Dreams of Jobs and Freedom” Scholarship.
The AFL-CIO and Union Plus created the scholarship to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
“The dream of a college education has become out of reach for too many young people,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “I’m proud AFL-CIO unions gave from their hearts in order to make that dream a reality for a great group of kids from a diversity of backgrounds.”
The scholarship was initiated by AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker with the goal of creating a lasting legacy connected to the original goals of the 1963 march.
“Fifty years ago people came from across the country to march for a better life for future generations,” said AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker. “Today we honor that legacy with the Dreams of Jobs and Freedom Scholarship with the goal of providing quality education and access to opportunity for all young people who want to fulfill their dreams.”
Corrine’s application was selected from a pool of over 600 applicants. In total, the AFL-CIO and Union Plus awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 60 students. Applicants were asked to describe their dream for their generation. Selection was also based on academic achievement, commitment to organized labor’s values, community service, and commitment to social and economic justice.
