James “Jimmy” Toledo Scholarship
The UPW Foundation’s James “Jimmy” Toledo Memorial Scholarship for Union Members and Dependents.
The Next Generation of Leaders
The United Public Workers Foundation launched the James “Jimmy” Toledo Scholarship in 2024 as a testament to the enduring legacy of a revered union leader and advocate for workers’ rights in Hawai’i. This scholarship aims to support the educational aspirations of United Public Workers member dependents, fostering the next generation of leaders and thinkers in the labor movement.
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship. The deadline is Thursday, May 1, 2025.
2025 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship
The United Public Workers Foundation is proud to present the James “Jimmy” Toledo Scholarship, a testament to the enduring legacy of a revered union leader and advocate for workers’ rights in Hawai’i. This scholarship, launched in 2024, aims to support the educational aspirations of UPW member dependents, fostering the next generation of leaders and thinkers in the labor movement.
To support educational advancement across our diverse membership, the UPW Foundation awarded five scholarships in 2024, each valued at $1,000. One winner was selected from each UPW Division to receive financial assistance designated for higher learning.
For 2025, the UPW Foundation is expanding its awards and offering nine scholarships with a total value of $10,000:
- Five (5) $1,000 scholarships for local high school seniors
- Three (3) $1,000 scholarships for current college students
- One (1) $2,000 scholarship for a college student majoring in Political Science, Labor Studies, or Labor Relations
The scholarships are available to high school seniors graduating in 2025 in the state of Hawaii and current college students who are children/dependents of an active United Public Workers member.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Shop & Donate
You can help support the Jimmy Toledo Scholarship and also show you are UPW Strong by shopping for UPW merchandise at our online store. Proceeds from all orders made at ShopUPW.com go towards the UPW Foundation Jimmy Toledo Scholarship Fund.
2024 Jimmy Toledo Scholarship Recipients
Isabella Clay, Kalaheo High School
Carma Tabilisima, Keeau High School
Maddox Tyau, Maui High School
Melina Espino, Kamehameha Schools Maui
Kiana Cueto, Damien Memorial School
About James “Jimmy” Toledo
The scholarship honors James Toledo, affectionately known as Jimmy, a figure synonymous with leadership and dedication within UPW. Toledo’s contributions were manifold; as Chief Steward of the Board of Water Supply where he worked for over 30 years, a member of the State Executive Board, and the BU 01 Executive Negotiating Committee.
He was instrumental in securing protective provisions for working families in the union’s contract legislation. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of UPW members and their families left an indelible mark on our union and its legacy. Toledo sadly passed away in 2013 at the age of 72.
About the UPW Foundation
The United Public Workers Foundation is a private corporation designated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. It is a legally separate entity from United Public Workers, AFSCME, and AFL-CIO.
However, the UPW Foundation works closely with these organizations and others in the community exclusively to further the education of past and current United Public Workers members and members families by providing scholarships to help with educational programs, opportunities, and schooling as determined by the Board of Directors.