Robert G. Porter Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Illinois Federation of Teachers

Introduction / History The Illinois Federation of Teachers created the Robert G. Porter Scholarship to pay tribute to Robert G. Porter, a longtime educator and labor leader. Porter began his career teaching civics in East St. Louis, Illinois, and served as treasurer of the East St. Louis Federation of Teachers, Local 1220. In 1960 he joined AFT national staff in Chicago as an aide to AFT President Carl Megel and played a key role in organizing and chartering numerous AFT locals across Illinois, helping build the strong IFT that today represents more than 100,000 members. Porter was AFT Secretary-Treasurer from 1963 until his death in November 1991; during his 28-year tenure the AFT grew from about 50,000 members to nearly 800,000. To honor his lifelong dedication to public education and the labor movement, the IFT sponsors this scholarship in his name. Award For 2026, the Illinois Federation of Teachers will award two scholarships of $20,000 each. Each award is paid as $5,000 per year for up to four years, contingent upon the recipient’s full-time enrollment at a public Illinois university and maintaining at least a C cumulative grade average. Eligibility - The scholarship is open without regard to race, religion, or political belief. - Applicants must be the child of one of the following: - a currently employed, active member in good standing of the Illinois Federation of Teachers; - a member of an IFT retiree chapter; or - a deceased member who was in good standing with the IFT at the time of death. - Applicants must be high school seniors with a cumulative B average. - Scholarship recipients will be required to show proof of acceptance and registration as a full‑time student in a bachelor’s degree program at a public university in Illinois. How to apply - The application must be filled out completely and signed by the student and a parent or guardian. IFT membership status will be verified before the application is reviewed by the Robert G. Porter Scholarship Committee. - Incomplete applications will be rejected. Faxed or facsimile submissions are not accepted. - Materials submitted with the application will not be returned. Required supporting documents (all items must be included) - Official high school transcript, including class size - Class rank (if available) - Record of extracurricular activities with dates of participation - Financial information, including: - Estimated costs for the college you plan to attend - A list of scholarships or awards you have applied for (if any) - How you plan to cover remaining costs (loans, work, family contributions, etc.) - Any additional financial details you wish the committee to consider - Employment history (if applicable): type of work, approximate number of years, and average hours per week - Recommendation letter from a teacher, dean, counselor, or other educator - Typed essay (as specified on the application) - Typed student reflection Deadline and submission Completed applications with all required attachments must be postmarked by Friday, March 6, 2026, and mailed to: Illinois Federation of Teachers 500 Oakmont Lane Westmont, IL 60559 Phone: 630-468-4080 Questions about the application or eligibility may be directed to the IFT office at the number above.