Scholarships reduce cost of education for Boilermakers, dependents

Son of L-13 member thanks lodge, International for assistance

WITH THE COST of college putting financial pressure on working families, scholarships can make a difference in getting an education without amassing a mountain of debt. Scholarship programs offered by the International, some local lodges, and organizations such as UnionPlus can help defray that debt for members and their eligible dependents.

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L-13 member Gene Perchinski stands with his son, Zach, who recently took a summer position with the Ocean City Police Department in Maryland.

Zach Perchinski, 21, the son of Philadelphia Local 13 member Gene Perchinski, recently wrote to Local 13 expressing his appreciation for financial aid. Zach is a 2007 recipient of a $7,200 scholarship from Local 13 and a $1,000 scholarship from the International. He said he put the money to good use, graduating in 2010 from Mansfield University in northern Pennsylvania with a criminal justice degree. While in school, he excelled in boxing, winning a gold medal for the East Coast in National Collegiate Boxing Association competition and a bronze medal in NCBA nationals.

Zach’s dream is to become a special agent with the FBI, DEA, or ICE. He is currently working as a seasonal police officer with the Ocean City Police Department in Maryland.

For information about how to apply for a scholarship, visit our scholarship resource page.