32BJ offers benefits to its members that extend beyond traditional contract negotiations. Through a joint labor-management program called the Thomas Shortman Fund, 32BJ offers a range of educational and training that help members develop their skills and further their careers.

The Thomas Shortman Scholarship is one of these unique benefits available only for children of 32BJ members. Unlike many scholarships which are awarded solely on the basis of grades and test scores, the Thomas Shortman Scholarship awards students for accomplishments that may extend beyond the academic realm. Overcoming language and cultural barriers, caring for ailing family members or working part-time to help family finances are only a few of the challenges that Shortman scholars have faced before entering college.

This year, 22 area high-school students and 8 students returning to graduate school received Shortman Scholarships. The application process was competitive with fewer than eight percent of the applicants being selected for the award. Each undergraduate scholarship provides $4000 annually for four years at the students' college of choice; graduate scholarships provide $8000 annually for the life of the program.