Scholarships & Grants

Joe Beirne Scholarship Program

About the Scholarship

Sixteen partial college scholarships of $4,000 each are being offered for the 2025-2026 school year. Winners, selected in a lottery drawing, also will receive second-year scholarships of the same amount contingent upon satisfactory academic accomplishment. Part-time students, less than 12 credits, will receive half of the scholarship monies.

Eligible for the awards are CWA members and their spouses, children and grandchildren, including those of retired or deceased members.

Origin

The CWA Joe Beirne Foundation was established in October 1974 by the Communications Workers of America Executive Board to honor the name and memory of the founding President of CWA, who served for more than 30 years. In his capacity as the first CWA President, Joe Beirne took great pride in the roles he played in the fields of education and learning and other areas of social concern. On April 26, 1999, the CWA Executive Board voted to combine the Joseph Anthony Beirne Memorial Foundation and the Ray Hackney Scholarship Fund, thereby creating the CWA Joe Beirne Foundation. Read more about Joseph Beirne.

Eligibility

CWA members, their spouses, children and grandchildren (including dependents of laid-off, retired or deceased CWA members) may apply. Applicants must be high school graduates or at least high school students who will graduate during the year in which they apply. Undergraduate and graduate students returning to schooling may also apply. Prior winners may not reapply.

Dates

Applications are accepted during the months of November through April. Final deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Selections

Winners are chosen by lottery drawing and only winners will be notified. Click here for a list of past winners.

Study Requirements

No specific studies are required. Scholarship winners may pursue whatever courses they wish.

Funding

The CWA Joe Beirne Foundation has been built up by voluntary contributions and is self-perpetuating. Contributions and pledges are received from CWA Locals, members and officers.