1199SEIU Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program
Offered by 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds
About This Scholarship
The Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program is one of the largest union-funded college scholarship programs in the country, run by the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds for the children of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East members. The program pays need-based awards to dependents attending accredited undergraduate colleges full time, with a minimum award of $750 per school year and larger amounts available depending on financial need.
Eligibility runs through the member parent: the parent must work for an employer that contributes to the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund or the Greater New York Child Care Fund, hold Wage Class I or Eligibility Class I status, and have received benefits for at least one year. The student must appear as a dependent on the parent's 1199SEIU health benefits ID card and be under age 23 as of September 1 of the award year.
Awards can be received for up to four years of undergraduate study, and students pursuing certain medical careers may qualify for a fifth year of support. Because the program is need-based, every applicant must also apply for state and federal financial aid each year. The Funds currently list the 2027-2028 academic year cycle, with application requests due by January 31, 2027.
Eligibility
- Child of an eligible 1199SEIU member; the member must work for an employer contributing to the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund or Greater New York Child Care Fund with Wage Class I or Eligibility Class I status and at least one year of benefits
- Student must be listed as a dependent on the member's 1199SEIU Health Benefits ID card
- High school graduate or current post-secondary student enrolling full time in an accredited undergraduate college for fall 2027 and/or spring 2028
- Under age 23 as of September 1, 2027
- Must apply for state and federal financial aid each year
- No more than four years of prior Tauber awards (fifth-year consideration for some medical career paths)
How To Apply
- Submit an application request through the form linked on the Funds' Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program page by January 31, 2027
- Complete the application materials the Scholarship Office sends after your request is processed
- Apply for federal and state financial aid (FAFSA and state programs) for the 2027-2028 school year
- Contact the Scholarship Office at (212) 564-2220 or [email protected] with questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an 1199SEIU member myself to apply?
No. The scholarship is for children of eligible 1199SEIU members. The parent's employment at a contributing institution and benefit status determine eligibility, and the student must be listed as a dependent on the member's health benefits ID card.
How much can I receive?
Awards vary according to financial need, with a minimum award of $750 for the school year. Because awards are need-based, every applicant must also apply for state and federal financial aid annually.
Can I receive the scholarship for all four years of college?
Yes, students can receive awards for up to four years of undergraduate study, and a fifth year may be considered for students pursuing certain medical careers.