Leonardo “Leo” Garcia of San Diego has been awarded a $1,500 Union Plus Scholarship for 2026, recognizing his academic achievement, commitment to service and promise as a future engineer. Leonardo is the son of Dr. Shannon Garcia, an Associate Principal with the San Diego Unified School District and a member of AFSA Local 134, the Administrators Association of San Diego City Schools (AASD).
Leonardo is attending San Diego State University, where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and is a member of the Weber Honors College. He graduated from Kearny High School as the Class of 2025 Salutatorian and is excited to continue pursuing his academic and professional goals in engineering.
When Leonardo learned that he had received the Union Plus Scholarship, he was both excited and grateful.
“He has worked extremely hard academically, and he was especially appreciative that my union membership provided an opportunity that could help support his education,” Shannon Garcia said.
Leonardo’s accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. He has a strong commitment to service and hopes to use his engineering education to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
This past summer, Leonardo traveled to Guatemala with Engineers Without Borders, where he volunteered alongside engineering students on a community-based project. The experience gave him an opportunity to apply engineering principles outside the classroom while contributing his time and skills to a community in need.
Giving back is important to Leonardo, and he hopes to continue combining engineering, service and meaningful real-world work throughout his college education and future career. He also plans to apply for the Union Plus Scholarship again next year.
A Scholarship Supporting Union Families
Leonardo’s scholarship is part of the 2026 Union Plus Scholarship Program, which awarded a total of $300,000 to 181 students representing 42 unions.
The Union Plus Scholarship Program supports union members and their families as they pursue post-secondary education. According to Union Plus, the program has awarded more than $6.2 million in scholarships since 1991, helping more than 4,400 union families pursue their educational goals.
“We are honored to recognize this year’s Union Plus Scholarship award winners,” said Union Plus President Mitch Stevens. “As we celebrate Union Plus’s 40th anniversary this year, we are proud to note that the Union Plus Scholarship Program has provided over $6.2 million in scholarships to support the educational goals of union families.”
For AFSA members, Leonardo’s award is a great reminder that union membership can provide opportunities that extend beyond the workplace. AFSA membership benefits can reach members and their families, helping support them as they pursue education and other goals.
More Than a Scholarship
AFSA President Mark Cannizzaro encourages members to take a closer look at the many benefits available through Union Plus.
“Union Plus is one of the big returns on your AFSA membership investment,” Cannizzaro said. “I recommend every member look at the benefits, whether it is the scholarship program, for you as a member or any family member, travel discounts, shopping discounts, insurance, or hardship assistance.”
Union Plus offers benefits and savings in a wide range of areas, including education, travel, shopping, insurance, health, home and auto programs, financial services and hardship assistance. Many programs are designed specifically for union members and their families.
For example, Union Plus provides hardship assistance programs that may help eligible AFSA families dealing with circumstances such as layoffs, disability, natural disasters or other financial challenges. Available assistance varies by program and eligibility requirements.
Leonardo’s scholarship is a terrific example of how union benefits can make a meaningful difference in the lives of working families. A $1,500 scholarship can help with tuition, books, fees and other educational expenses—and it represents an opportunity made possible through the connection between union membership and Union Plus.
Union Plus is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1986, the organization was created by the AFL-CIO to provide specialized products, services, savings and support to union members and their families.
For Shannon Garcia, Leonardo’s award is a meaningful example of the ways union membership can benefit an entire family.
And for Leonardo, the scholarship is another source of encouragement as he works toward his goals in engineering and service.
Congratulations to Leonardo Garcia on this well-deserved achievement, and congratulations to his mother, Dr. Shannon Garcia, and AFSA Local 134!
