James P. Hoffa, International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Emeritus, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund and what it has done to help ease the financial burden of Teamsters children and their families because of the high cost of college tuition.
The son of James R. Hoffa — better known as Jimmy Hoffa — Hoffa became a Teamsters member in 1959. He got a Bachelor in Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in 1966 and served as an attorney for the Teamsters from 1968 to 1993. In 1998 he was elected General President of the Teamsters where he served for the next 23 years before his retirement. In 1999, to assist Teamsters families send their children to college, Hoffa and the union started the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The Fund provides different types of scholarships to high school seniors, ranging from $10,000 scholarships to $500 grants. The students can use the funds to attend college or get vocational training. Hoffa discussed the support over 150 Local unions provide annually to ensure the Fund continues to provide these opportunities to Teamsters' families.
The Fund only supports the Teamsters, and Hoffa explained why that won’t change. He said the Fund was started to give back to the union Brothers and Sisters and their families. One of the notable recipients is U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA). Hoffa shared other success stories from scholarship recipients. The Fund also provides opportunities to enter good-paying careers and join the union. Hoffa added that this Fund showcases the good work unions do in the community.
Please listen to the show above for more information about the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund.