NYSUT members interested in pursuing skills in labor relations in education and health care are eligible for a new scholarship named in honor of a champion of working people.
James J. Scott worked tirelessly behind the scenes to protect the rights of working New Yorkers. He was an analyst and adviser in the political arena, where he would secure support for candidates who pledged to protect working families.
Two $5,000 James J. Scott Scholarships will be awarded to members who are nominated by their local presidents. A committee of NYSUT members and staff will make the selections based on the strength of the nomination.
Nominations must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2010. Forms are available here online.
The James J. Scott Scholarships are made possible through a generous grant from Chris Gardner of Gardner Rich & Co. Gardner is the author of The Pursuit of Happyness and Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.
Gardner worked closely with Scott and the two remained close friends until Scott's death in 2006.