Connell F. Smith-Homer Brown Scholarship Award

Established: 1986 by the Executive Board of Local 773 and LiUNA Vice President Edward M. Smith

Purpose: Provides substantial grants for the education of young men and women of exceptional promise. The program seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue opportunities available to them.

Background: Named after Connell F. Smith (1914-1988), who served as Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of Laborers' Local 773 from 1942 to 1976, and Homer Brown, a member of Local 773 during the Great Depression who worked as a laborer while raising five children and later served on the Executive Board.

Geographic Scope: No geographic restrictions on use of the scholarship

Track Record: Since 1986, the program has awarded more than 600 college students the chance to build a better future. Recipients can reapply for up to 4 years.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be the son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter, stepson/stepdaughter, or the member themselves of a Laborers' Local 773 member
• Minimum GPA of 2.6
• Complete a Union Member Interview with the Laborers' Local 773 member to whom they are related
• Must be a person who gives back to the community (an important characteristic of members, affiliates and colleagues of Local 773)

Award Amounts

• Junior College: $750
• 4-Year University: $1,500
• Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: $2,000

Additional Information

• Recipients are allowed to supplement the award with other scholarships and grants
• Available for students to reapply for up to 4 years

Application Process

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Requirements Summary

• Must complete a Union Member Interview with the related Laborers' Local 773 member
• GPA verification (2.6 minimum)
• Community involvement documentation (implied)