Matt Alstad, Local 580, Wins National Scholarship

Congratulations to Matt Alstead, Itasca County worker with Local 580, on winning the Gerald W. McEntee Scholarship. This is a $5,000 AFSCME International scholarship created in honor of former AFSCME Pres. Jerry McEntee awarded annually to an AFSCME member for use towards higher education.

Awarded in honor of former AFSCME President Jerry McEntee, the $5,000 scholarship goes to the candidate who best exemplifies President McEntee’s commitment to strengthening our union through organizing, building political power for working families, defending workers’ rights, and supporting public services. President McEntee served at the helm of AFSCME for 31 years and grew our union to 1.6 million members while helping defeat efforts to privatize Social Security and change Medicare. 

Matt is currently a member of his Local Executive Board and has served as a steward, chief steward, negotiating committee member, and coalition bargaining leader. In his essay submitted for the scholarship application, Matt said, "I have learned that organizing is not simply about mobilization during negotiation, but about sustained engagement that builds trust and participation." He's a true Union leader that goes above and beyond for his coworkers and his Union.

Matt's goal is to grow and push himself with his education. He has a degree in Accounting and he is pursuing his MBA in Business Administration. Matt lives in Cohasset and loves to enjoy the beautiful country surrounding him. 

You can apply for the Gerald W. McEntee Scholarship and other Union scholarships on the Union Plus Scholarships page here.