Applications for 2024 awards are now open.
Steelworkers’ District 6 Director, Myles Sullivan, is pleased to call for applications for our Peter Leibovitch Education Scholarship.
Director Sullivan has made available a $1,000 scholarship to the child of a Steelworker member in memory of Peter Leibovitch, a member of Local 8782 who embodied the true meaning of a labour activist committed to working people and their rights.
Peter Leibovitch was an important part of United Steelworkers Local 8782 for over 30 years. His career started at Stelco’s Hilton Works as a mechanic/millwright and his activism continued with his transfer to Lake Erie Works in 1987. Peter held many positions within the local, including President, a position he held from 1989 to 1997.
One of Peter’s passions was political action and he worked on many NDP campaigns at all levels of government. Working in the political arena, Peter worked with others to improve the lives of all working people. Peter was a staunch supporter of civil liberties, human rights and social justice his entire life. Peter retired in 2009, but his activism didn’t stop there.
A champion for all workers, Peter began organizing cab drivers in the Hamilton and Toronto area in 2009 and was still involved in the campaign at the time of his death.
Peter will be sadly missed but not forgotten due to his commitment to his family, community, union and working people everywhere.
Following is the eligibility criteria for this special scholarship
- The applicant’s parent or guardian must be a member of a United Steelworkers local union in District 6 (Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island).
- The applicant must be enrolled in a full-time course of study leading to a diploma, certificate or degree from any publicly recognized college or university.
- Applicants must fill out and submit the attached application form.
- Applicants must submit an essay between 750-1,000 words in length (French or English). The essay must have a cover page with the student’s full name, address and contact number. In addition, it should identify the name and local union number of the parent who is the USW member.
The winning essay will be judged for creativity, style and content.
Essays topics (Please select one):
- What impact does the labour movement and specifically the USW being involved in political action have on the union membership and their families?
- In your essay, discuss why you think it is important to vote in elections. How might you persuade more young people to vote and become politically active?
The deadline for receipt of essays is June 30. The winners will be notified prior to Sept. 1.