Did you know that the OCSEA Les Best Scholarship is for members too? Alicia Perkins, an ODOT Highway Technician 3 and Montgomery Chapter 5700 member, is one example. She has been a recipient of the Les Best Member Scholarship three times. Not only is she a full-time state employee, but she is also a single mom to four children, and a full-time student in the evening. Alicia is pursuing a degree to become a registered nurse and is on track to graduate in a few short months. She’ll be the second in her family to earn a degree.

 

“It can be crazy at night between taking care of my kids and working on school work, but I want them to know that I worked really hard and that you’re never too old to go to school,” said Alicia. When asked what advice she would give to a full-time employee and parent considering going back to school, she said, “What is your ‘why?’ That was one of the big things with nursing school. And my response to that is my kids. My kids are the reason that I’m here. I just want to provide them a life that’s better than what I grew up with.”

 

“The scholarship program and the Union Education Trust has taken almost all the financial burden away from me. Without that, I wouldn’t be able to go to school,” she said. “Without the support of the union, I would not have had this opportunity, and for that, I am forever grateful,” she said.

 

The Les Best Scholarship can help you and your family, too! Apply by April 30, 2026 at OCSEA.org/LesBest.