On April 15th, applications will be due for the 3rd Annual Ottilie Markholt Memorial Scholarship awarded by America In Solidarity. Last year, our organization awarded $4,000 to 12 winners out of over 200 applicants. Every day more and more applications are reaching our office for this year's scholarship. I've been perusing some of the essays and have been amazed by the heartfelt and insightful stories. One spoke of the loss of a family member due to the lack of health care, another talked about the impact of a union organizer protecting her mom's job. Among the applicants have been excellent scholars and others whose resumes speak about all the great community-focused activities they are involved with.

Several times I have said to myself, "This kid deserves a scholarship. I wish we had more money to give."

Our intention of starting this scholarship program was to get kids to think about the issues that many of them will not until they enter the workforce. When you are about to start or are in college, issues like the importance of unions, or the impact of a labor leader on your life aren't at the forefront. But, the time it takes to write an essay on this has engaged hundreds of students to think about these issues for a few hours. And then maybe they will also be more aware of these issues when they vote, enter the workforce or become active in their community.

I'm asking the America In Solidarity community to make a contribution today to help fund the Ottilie Markholt Scholarship fund as we try to raise an additional $2,000 before April 15th so we can award even more scholarships this year. Can you spare $20, $50 or even $100 to help one of applicants go to college?

Please donate through our secure paypal server or send us a check payable to America In Solidarity at our office at: 3049 S. 36th ST. #205 Tacoma, WA 98409.

Thank you so much for helping us with our mission of making this country a better place for working families.

Thank you,

Todd Iverson, President of America In Solidarity