We are excited to honor retired Rhode Island labor leader, George Nee, with our new George Nee Young Organizer Award and Scholarship. Nee has been a force for environmental, worker, and social justice from his efforts in the early 1980s to ensure that Rhode Island’s beaches were cared for to his advocacy with the Rhode Island AFL-CIO for family-supporting clean energy jobs in our state. This award, named in his honor, will connect young, rising social justice leaders in Rhode Island to that legacy.
Each year, we will acknowledge a rising student organizer in our state and award them with a $250 scholarship as part of our annual Breakfast of Champions. To be eligible, candidates must have earned a high school diploma or GED and be currently enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college OR trade school OR apprenticeship. High school seniors already accepted into a qualifying educational program will also be considered.
Applicants should demonstrate organizing and activism leadership. Candidates whose organizing work or educational pursuits are focused on the environment or organized labor are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please fill in the fields below.
Applications for the 2025 award must be submitted by May 5th.
Note: Some applicants have reported problems with the form. Having trouble? Email: ehowe@cleanwater.org with your application materials!
Thank you for helping us to honor George Nee.