The Tom Mooney Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in December 2006 to honor late OFT President Tom Mooney's legacy in public education and union work, and to help others pursue his passions for social justice and political action. The Tom Mooney Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee selects an annual Mooney Scholar to receive a $2,000 scholarship.
The scholarship is intended to provide an opportunity to a graduating senior from a public high school who plans to pursue a degree in education, history, labor studies, or political science. An applicant must be the child of a member (in good standing) of the Ohio Federation of Teachers or the child of any staff person who is employed by OFT or its locals.
Deadline: All applications must be received by May 4, 2026.
All applications must be submitted to:
Tom Mooney Memorial Scholarship
Attn: Jill Jones
1251 East Broad St.
Columbus OH 43205
jjones@oft-aft.org
Guidelines for Mooney Scholar selection:
- Applicant must be the child of a member (in good standing) of the Ohio Federation of Teachers or the child of any staff person who is employed by OFT or its locals.
- Applicant must be a graduating traditional public high school senior.
- Academic Achievement - GPA: 3.0 or higher (preferred, not required).
- A high school transcript must be provided.
- Applicant must already have been accepted to an accredited college or university.
- Applicant plans to pursue a degree in education, history, labor studies, or political science.
- Application must include a letter of recommendation from a teacher not related to the applicant.
- Applicant must demonstrate involvement in extracurricular and community service activities.
- Applicant must provide an essay stating how he or she is committed to the passions that Tom Mooney exemplified.
- Application must include a signature of the applicant’s parent (or legal guardian) and the President of the OFT Local in which the parent (or legal guardian) is a member.
Other Guidelines:
- Monies will be awarded upon proof of enrollment.
- Scholarship is offered for one year and is non-renewable.
- All awards are at the discretion of the Tom Mooney Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee.