Intro Image - Abraham D. Chatman Scholarship

Abraham D. Chatman Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For dependent children of members (current and retired) of local unions affiliated with Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United.

Application Period

December 1 to February 28

Number and Size of Awards

Up to five awards of $8,000 each; paid as $2,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Eligibility Criteria

For dependent children (based on the IRS definition of being a qualified child under 19, or under 24 if a full-time student) of current employed members of local unions affiliated with Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United, or retiree from an affiliate union shop of RRJB who:
  • Are graduating high school seniors entering a two- or four-year institution or are currently enrolled in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year, and;
  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA (C+ or higher for high school students).
Financial need is a consideration.

Application Process

To begin or continue your application, click here. This scholarship is one of dozens connected to our Consolidated Scholarship Application. Applying for this scholarship means you'll be considered for any other relevant opportunities within the Consolidated Application.

Committee/Selection Process

The selection process is coordinated through the Community Foundation. A committee comprised of Community Foundation staff and community representatives reviews applications and selects recipient(s). Note: Applicant names are sent to the Rochester Regional Joint Board for confirmation of eligibility.

Award Announcement and Payment

The Community Foundation emails an award notification with instructions for claiming the award to the recipient in the Spring. Payment is mailed to the school for the recipient’s account in one lump sum in the Fall and split between the Fall and Spring semesters once required documentation is received. Upload the requested and required information including your class schedule and tuition bill verifying full-time enrollment to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Portal between July 1 and August 15. To release subsequent scholarship payments, upload the requested and required information including your unofficial transcript, class schedule and tuition bill to verify continued enrollment and good standing to the Community Foundation’s online Scholarship Portal between July 1 and August 15. Scholarships not claimed by February 15 in the assigned year will be forfeited. Email scholarships@racf.org with any questions or concerns.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of up to four awards in four consecutive years. Award renewability varies per recipient:
  • Graduating high school seniors receive awards that are renewable for a total of four awards in four consecutive years;
  • College freshman receive awards that are renewable for a total of three awards in three consecutive years;
  • College sophomores receive awards that are renewable for a total of two awards in two consecutive years; and
  • College juniors receive one-time awards that are not renewable.
Please see the Award Announcement and Payment section above for more information.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established to honor Abe Chatman, who served as manager of the Rochester Regional Joint Board for more than 50 years. During his tenure, he led the union to prominence, established the Sidney Hillman Health Center, and became the spokesman for organized labor in Rochester and much of upstate New York. To make your own gift to this fund, click here.

Questions?

Email Scholarships@racf.org or call 585.341.4350 for assistance.


« Back to Scholarship Search