KLMC Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kentucky Labor-Management Conference Board of Directors

Description Overview & mission

The Kentucky Labor-Management Conference (KLMC) is a statewide forum that brings labor and management leaders together to build productive workplace and community relationships. Founded in 1977, KLMC’s long-term mission is to promote mutual respect, collaboration, and shared solutions across Kentucky’s labor and management communities. The organization supports professional development and workforce initiatives, including a scholarship program to encourage careers in labor relations and skilled trades.

Key takeaways

• Founded in 1977 to foster labor-management collaboration across Kentucky.
• Focuses on constructive relationships, workforce development, and community impact.
• Operates a scholarship program to support labor relations and apprenticeship careers.

Eligibility Who may apply

Applicants must be legal residents of Kentucky and actively pursuing education or training: either a graduating high school senior accepted to college/technical school (minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale) or a current postsecondary student (minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale). Eligible programs include associate, baccalaureate, graduate degrees, or technical certifications; applicants may also be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship trade. Immediate family members of KLMC Board members are ineligible, and an applicant’s current major does not have to be labor-related.

Key takeaways

• Kentucky residency required.
• GPA thresholds: graduating seniors ≥3.0; college/technical students ≥2.5 (4.0 scale).
• Enrollment or acceptance to an accredited postsecondary program or apprenticeship required.
• Immediate family of KLMC Board members are excluded.

Award

Value Scholarship amounts and permitted uses

KLMC awards scholarship funds to help offset educational expenses; awards vary by education level. Typical maximum awards are: up to $3,000 for graduate programs, up to $2,250 for four‑year undergraduate programs, up to $1,500 for two‑year associate or technical programs, and up to $1,500 for graduating high school seniors. Scholarship funds are intended to be used for tuition and other education-related costs.

Key takeaways

• Award maximums vary by program level (graduate, four‑year, two‑year, high school senior).
• Funds are designated for tuition and education-related expenses.
• Exact award amounts are determined by the KLMC Board of Directors.

Selection How recipients are chosen

Selection is merit-based and nondiscriminatory, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status. Successful applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in a labor relations–related field or be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship trade, and show leadership qualities and scholastic achievement. Final award decisions are made by the KLMC Board of Directors based on the application package and supporting materials.

Key takeaways

• Merit-based selection with explicit nondiscrimination.
• Required demonstration of interest in labor relations or an apprenticeship trade.
• Leadership and scholastic achievement are evaluated.
• KLMC Board of Directors makes final award decisions.

Application

Requirements Materials to submit

A complete application package includes the application form, an official transcript sent in a sealed envelope by the school, and a typed, double-spaced essay of approximately 1,000 words. The essay prompt asks applicants to propose joint labor-management programs to attract and train skilled-trade workers, addressing three target groups: high school students, trade school students, and internal recruitment/training within organizations; creative and innovative ideas are encouraged. All materials must be assembled according to the program’s instructions to be considered.

Key takeaways

• Submit application form, sealed official transcript, and ~1,000-word double-spaced essay.
• Essay must address program ideas for high school students, trade school students, and internal organizational training.
• Innovative proposals are welcome.
• Follow submission instructions precisely to ensure a complete package.

Application

Timeline Deadlines and award announcement

Applications must be postmarked by the published deadline indicated on KLMC’s application materials or website; incomplete or late packages may not be considered. Recipients will be announced by the KLMC Board of Directors at the Kentucky Labor-Management Conference in 2026. Applicants should confirm the current year’s deadline and submission address on the KLMC website and allow time for official transcripts to arrive in sealed envelopes.

Key takeaways

• Mail application packages so they are postmarked by the program’s published deadline.
• Winners will be announced at the 2026 Kentucky Labor-Management Conference.
• Verify current deadline and submission details on the KLMC website and allow time for transcript delivery.