AFSCME Minnesota Council 5 Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

Introduction
AFSCME MN Council 5 administers three scholarships: two aimed at 2026 high school seniors beginning post-secondary studies, and one intended for Council 5 members pursuing further education themselves.

1) Richard E. Patterson Scholarship
- Purpose/history: Created in 1989 in memory of Richard E. Patterson, a dedicated union activist, leader of City of St. Paul Local 1842, and the first Treasurer of the former AFSCME Council 14.
- Eligibility: Applicant must be the child of a parent or legal guardian who is a member in good standing of a local union represented by AFSCME MN Council 5.
- Student requirements: Must be a 2026 high school graduate planning to start college in 2026 and attend an accredited post-secondary institution in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
- Application limits and selection: One application per person. The winner and an alternate will be chosen by lot at the June 2026 Chair Officers meeting.
- Award and presentation: One $1,000 scholarship. The recipient will be recognized at the AFSCME MN Council 5 Convention on September 26, 2026, in Minneapolis.

2) Clarence J. Moss Scholarship
- Purpose/history: Established in 1983 to honor Clarence J. Moss, a longtime activist and member of Local 1011.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating high school seniors in 2026, dependents (children) of AFSCME MN Council 5 members in good standing, and planning to enroll in a Minnesota public institution of higher education in 2026.
- Application requirements: Submit the application along with a typewritten essay of 500 words on the topic: “What AFSCME MN Council 5 Means to Our Family.”
- Selection: A three-member panel will select the winner.
- Award and presentation: One $500 scholarship. The award will be presented at the AFSCME MN Council 5 Convention on September 26, 2026, in Minneapolis.

3) Robert Norberg Scholarship
- Purpose/history: Created to honor Robert (Bob) Norberg, a longtime AFSCME member and staff representative who died in 1998.
- Eligibility: Open to adult members of locals represented by AFSCME MN Council 5 who are pursuing further education at Minnesota public institutions. Eligible applicants include members who have been active for at least six months, members laid off within the past six months, retired members, and members on disability.
- Selection: Two winners will be chosen by lot by Bob Norberg’s wife and children.
- Award and presentation: Two scholarships of $250 each. Awards will be presented at the AFSCME MN Council 5 Convention on September 26, 2026, in Minneapolis.

General notes
- All dates, award amounts, selection methods, and eligibility requirements above apply as stated. Please ensure applications meet the specific submission requirements for each scholarship.