This year’s scholarships are in remembrance of Ken Foster, the first Director of the A TU Canadian Council, now ATU Canada.

Foster joined Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB, as a Bus Operator in July 1974. He quickly rolled up his sleeves to get involved, serving as the Local’s Recording Secretary, and was elected Vice President. In July 1983, the ATU Canadian Council tapped Foster to be the first General Executive Secretary. His title was eventually changed to Director, where he served until retiring in 2006. Foster also served as Co-Chair of the Motor Carrier Passenger Council of Canada and was inducted into the CUTA Hall of Fame.

“As the first Canadian Council Director, Ken was the voice of our members across Canada on legislation, policy, education, health and safety, labor, and other issues. He was a true trailblazer for transit workers across Canada,” said ATU International President John Costa.

We hope the recipients of this year’s scholarships named in his honor will use them in part to study union and community organizing and grow to fight injustices everywhere.

Five $8,000.00 scholarships are awarded each year. A sixth $2,000.00 scholarship is available for awards, to an applicant who will attend a technical or vocational post-secondary school. The competition is open to ATU members, their children, and grandchildren. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and satisfy these Rules and Procedures. For each scholarship winner, the ATU will deposit up to $8,000.00, with an accredited college or a technical or vocational post-secondary school, where the award winner will be attending.

 

Rules and Procedures

Deadline

The completed application must be submitted online by March 31, 2026

Please Note: Only winners will be notified of the awards and a full list of winners will be posted in the 2026 Fall issue of the In Transit Magazine.

Eligibility

  1. Applicants must be either:
    – A member of the ATU in good standing;
    – The child (whether natural or legally adopted) or stepchild of a member in good standing, or of a deceased member who was in good standing at the time of his or her death;
    – A grandchild (whether natural or legally adopted) of a member in good standing, or of a deceased member who was in good standing at the time of his or her death
  2. Applicants must be high school seniors planning to enter college (or technical or vocational post-secondary school) for the first-time following graduation during the 2025 – 2026 school year, or previous high school graduates that have never attended college.
  3. ATU Scholarships are NOT available to the following persons:
    – Those who are attending or have already attended college, technical or vocational school
    – Those who do not intend to work without interruption toward a bachelor’s degree or graduation from a technical or vocational school
    – Spouses of members
    – ATU International Officers, International Representatives, staff, and other employees or their dependents
    Those who are fully funded for tuition, fees, and books from other sources.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Official application forms can be obtained at atu.communityforce.com/Login.aspx, or contact;

Kayla Warner
ATU Scholarship Program Office
10000 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20903
(301) 431-7100 ext. 232
scholarships@atu.org

  1. Create an account using accurate and up-to-date information at atu.communityforce.com/Login.aspx
  2. Fill out the scholarship prequalification form.
    Note: Once eligibility requirements are met, applicants will receive a confirmation email to proceed with applying for the scholarship.
  3. Provide accurate details about your personal and academic background.
  4. Write a compelling personal statement addressing your academic and career goals.
  5. Obtain and upload official transcripts from your educational institution.
  6. Obtain and upload letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or mentors.
  7. Answer essay questions with a thoughtful and well-crafted response.
  8. Review Application; Double-check all entries for accuracy and completeness.
  9. Proofread your personal statement and other written components.
  10. Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline – March 31, 2026
  11. Keep a confirmation or receipt of submission for your records.
  12. Monitor your email and the scholarship portal for any updates or requests from the scholarship provider.

 

Essay

For residents of the United States

Applicants are required to write an essay of no less than 500 words and no more than 750 words in English, French or Spanish, on the subject of:

“Organized Labor’s Contribution to the Welfare of the People of the United States”

For residents of Canada

Applicants are required to write an essay of no less than 500 words and no more than 750 words in English, French or Spanish, on the subject of:

“Organized Labour’s Contribution to the Welfare of the People of Canada”

NOTE: The essay will be evaluated on an analysis of the topic – the facts and arguments that are presented, as demonstrating that the student understands the topic, and the effectiveness of the essay in demonstrating how organized labor benefits everyone, whether they are union members or not. Grammar, style, organization, and presentation will also be evaluated.

 

Selection of Scholarship Recipients

The ATU International shall appoint a Selection Committee of community, academic, and labor leaders. No ATU officer, member, staff, or employee, shall participate in the final selection process.

Applicants will be judged based on their scholastic record, involvement in community and extra-curricular activities, and the quality of the essay submitted.

The Committee shall select five academic scholarship winners and five alternates, and one technical or vocational scholarship winner and one alternate.

Decisions of the Committee shall be final.

If a recipient is disqualified due to a failure to fulfill all Scholarship Program requirements, the ATU Scholarship will be awarded to the next qualified alternate.

The recipient(s) will be notified by email of their award and will also be given a form to complete to release the scholarship funds. Upon the return of the required information, a check will be issued to the university or vocational school in the appropriate amount. The award will be restricted to the payment of tuition, books, and associated fees.