Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by National Institute For Labor Relations Research
Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship — Overview and Instructions
Submission period (online): September 1 through December 31, 2025 (this window is open annually).
Scholarship summary
- One $1,000 award is given each year to a student studying education who best demonstrates commitment to Right to Work principles and the professional standards embodied by Carol Applegate, Kay Jackson, and Dr. Anne Parks — three Michigan public school teachers who were dismissed solely for refusing to pay union dues.
Who may apply
- Eligible: Individuals preparing to attend or currently enrolled at a U.S. college, university, or other qualifying institution (undergraduate or graduate) who have a declared major in education. This includes classroom teachers pursuing an advanced degree (for example, a master’s) through an approved institution.
- Not eligible: High school students; undergraduates without a declared education major; officers, directors, employees of the National Institute for Labor Relations Research or the National Right to Work Committee; Selection Review Committee members; and members of those persons’ immediate families.
Required application materials
- A completed online application form.
- An original, previously unpublished essay of 500–700 words demonstrating your understanding of Right to Work principles and the issue of compulsory unionism in education.
- A copy of your most recent transcript or an acceptance letter from the school you are attending or plan to attend.
- A recent photo.
How to apply
1. Confirm eligibility (U.S. institution, declared major in education).
2. Prepare the materials listed above (essay, transcript or acceptance letter, photo, and the application form).
3. Submit the application online during the stated window or send by mail. Applicants must confirm receipt of their submission.
Selection, review, and award process
1. Institute staff screen submissions and select the strongest essays to forward to the Selection Review Committee. Any personally identifying information included in essays is redacted before they are sent for review.
2. The Selection Review Committee — composed of three or more independent educators together with Institute representatives — conducts a blind review, nominates and ranks up to three essays, and forwards those nominations to the Institute’s Board of Directors.
3. The Board considers the recommendations and votes at its annual meeting (typically held in April) to approve the top-ranked nominee, choose another nominee, or decline to award a scholarship that year.
4. Institute staff notify the selected recipient and make a public announcement.
5. The Institute issues the $1,000 award payment directly to the recipient’s institution of higher education.
6. At the end of the academic year for which the funds are used, the winner (or the school on the winner’s behalf) must submit a copy of their official transcript to the National Institute for Labor Relations Research.
Selection criteria
- Awards are based on academic promise and a demonstrated interest in the mission and work of the National Institute for Labor Relations Research.
- Applicants must show: (a) clear potential to complete their chosen educational program (supported by transcript or acceptance letter), and (b) strong writing ability and a thoughtful understanding of Right to Work principles and compulsory unionism issues in education via the required 500–700-word original essay.
Additional notes
- If you have questions about preparing your essay or the application process, contact the Institute for guidance.
- Winners are responsible for ensuring the Institute receives the required end-of-year transcript (or arranging for their school to send it).