Educational Resources

AFSCME and National Labor College Scholarship - click here - DEADLINE NOVEMBER 15, 2009

The Giovanni Folcarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Giovanni Folcarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund (GFMSF) was established in the early 1980’s in honor of Giovanni “John” Folcarelli who was the first Executive Director of Rhode Island Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO. Papa John as he was affectionately called was also the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Rhode Island under Governor John Chaffee.

The Folcarelli Scholarship is for high school seniors who are members, or whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are members of Council 94. The applicants must be accepted to a college or school of higher education.

The Scholarship Fund is an independent, non-profit organization funded mainly by donations and Council 94 member participation in fundraising events. We also accept donations in memory of a loved one.

Applications for the GFMSF are available during the month of March and must be postmarked by a date established in May. The scholarships are awarded in June.

For more information you may contact your Local President or Rhode Island Council 94 at 724-5900.

If you would like to make a donation to GFMSF in memory of a loved one, please contact Rhode Island Council 94.

Gloria Prevost
Executive Board Vice President

The J. Thomas Chellel Memorial Education Program

J. Thomas Chellel was President of Rhode Island Council 94, AFSCME for more than 26 years, and President of the Rhode Island Deputy Sheriffs for 33 years.

His passing on July 13, 2005 was a great loss for the labor movement in the State of Rhode Island.

Tom fought hard for health benefits, salaries and working conditions for all his members. He devoted his life to fighting for the rights of not only the members of Council 94 but all working people in the State of Rhode Island.

The J. Thomas Chellel Memorial Education Program for Council 94 members was established at Rhode Island Council 94’s 32nd Annual Convention held on March 28 and 29, 2008.

The program will be administered by 4 Trustees appointed to 2 year terms. They will have broad decision making authority to grant member’s applications for study, and approve payment of costs for labor oriented programs.

This program will help to educate and train members of the Union about the values and principles that were so important to Tom. The programs that would be considered would be those given by the RI Institute for Labor Studies, the George Meany Center, colleges and universities, as well as, any conference, convention or other activity which the Trustees deem to be helpful in furthering the goals of AFSCME, Council 94 and labor unions in general.

The fund will be initially established by Council 94 with $2,000. Council 94 will match donations from affiliated locals, Chapter 94 retirees and individual members, staff of Council 94, and other friends and supporters up to an additional $2,000.