Scholarship Opportunity

Donald Pilla Memorial Award

Offered by Minnesota AFL-CIO

The Donald Pilla Memorial Award provides financial assistance to a graduating high school senior with a qualifying Minnesota AFL-CIO union connection who plans to attend a vocational, technical, or trade school located in Minnesota.

Minimum GPA3.0+
EssayNot required
RenewableNo
Grade LevelHigh School Senior

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2026 Donald Pilla Memorial Award Cycle

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineMay 1, 2026

Eligibility

  • Be a graduating high school senior.
  • Be a union member or dependent of a union member whose local union is affiliated with the Minnesota AFL-CIO.
  • Have at least a straight B average, equivalent to a 3.0 GPA.
  • Plan to attend a vocational, technical, or trade school located within Minnesota.

Requirements

  • Complete the Minnesota AFL-CIO universal scholarship application.
  • Obtain qualifying union membership certification.
  • Obtain school certification of the required academic average.
  • Submit an official high school transcript.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the Minnesota AFL-CIO universal scholarship application.
  2. 2Select the vocational or technical scholarship option.
  3. 3Have the local union certify qualifying membership.
  4. 4Have a high school official certify the required academic average.
  5. 5Attach the official high school transcript.
  6. 6Submit by the annual deadline.
  7. 7The recipient is selected by lottery.