MALF Andy Ward Scholarship

Announcing the 2026 Andy Ward Educational Scholarship

We are pleased to announce the Andy Ward Educational Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity dedicated to supporting the educational and vocational aspirations of union members and their family members in Maricopa County.

About Andy Ward

Andy Ward was a dedicated attorney in Phoenix, renowned for his commitment to representing labor unions, addressing labor issues, and advocating for union members' rights, benefits, and retirement funds. As a founding member of Ward Barrett, Andy's legacy continues to impact the community long after his passing in 1993. In 1994, funds were donated in his memory to establish this scholarship.

Purpose of the Scholarship

Andy Ward firmly believed in the importance of educating people about unions and their critical role in improving workers' rights, pay, and benefits. To honor his vision, his widow, Dorothy Barrett, generously set up this scholarship, which is administered by the CLC/ALF in Maricopa County under two key conditions:

1. Preservation of Principal: The scholarship fund must never dip below the original gifted amount of $10,000.
2. Essay Requirement: The application process must include a written essay.

In 2002, the administration of the scholarship was entrusted to the Maricopa Area Labor Federation (MALF). The fund is sustained through annual fundraising efforts to support union families in covering their education or vocational expenses, as Andy Ward envisioned.

2026 Essay Prompt

This year's essay prompt addresses a pressing issue: 

Unions continue to be under attack by the federal government. What does your experience with your, or your family’s, union teach you about how to resist the anti-union pressures today?

Application Details

• Eligibility: Union members and their family members in Maricopa County who are high school juniors or seniors, university first- or second-year students, or apprentices
• Application Submission Deadline: Saturday, July 25, 2026, by 5:00 pm
• Application Contents: Essay and Cover Sheet
• Submission Email: info@azaflcio.org 

Formatting Guidelines for the Essay:

• Length: Minimum of one page, maximum of two pages (including sources, if used)
• Format: Double-spaced, Times New Roman or Arial font, size 12, 1-inch margin all around
• Submission: Email cover sheet plus essay as two separate PDF files without including the author’s name on the essay to ensure anonymity during the review process.

Review and Award Process

A designated committee will review all essays (submitted without indication of the author's name). The Education Committee and the MALF Chair determine the number and amounts of scholarships awarded each year. This year, the scholarships are as follows:

• First Prize: $2,000
• Second Prize: $1,000
• Third Prize: $500

To be eligible, you must be a Union member and/or a family member of one. Winners will be announced at the AZ AFL-CIO Labor Day Luncheon on Friday, September 4, 2026.

Download the 2026 MALF Andy Ward Cover Sheet here!

Remember to forward completed applications to the MALF Education Chair, Richard Newhauser, at info@azaflcio.org.

We encourage all eligible union members and their dependents to apply and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to further their education and vocational training in honor of Andy Ward’s enduring legacy.