BMWED-IBT Family Members Awarded

2026 Union Plus Scholarships

Winners Honored for Achievement and Union Values

Washington, D.C. – Union Plus recently awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 181 students representing 42 unions, including seven winners representing the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED-IBT). This year’s group of scholarship recipients includes university, college, and trade or technical school students from 42 states and one U.S. territory. The BMWED-IBT winners are:

• Tayler Marie Ashlock of Collins, Missouri. Ashlock, whose father, Adam Ashlock, is a member of BMWED-IBT Local 493, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship.

• Kaydence Marlene Burclaw of Rosholt, Wisconsin. Burclaw, whose father, Joseph Burclaw, is a member of BMWED-IBT Local 2931, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Kaydence was a 2024 Union Plus Scholarship recipient.

• Braydon Dahlke of Lehi, Utah. Dahlke, whose father, Jared Dahlke, is a member of BMWED-IBT Local 1227, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

• Alayna Grace Lewis of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Lewis, whose legal guardian, Adam Lewis, is a member of BMWED-IBT Local 1049, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

• Joaquin Eli Martinez of Waco, Texas. Martinez, whose legal guardian, Neil Martinez, is a member of BMWED-IBT Local 44, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

• Katrina Mary Olichwier of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Olichwier, whose spouse, Jesse Olichwier, is a member of BMWED-IBT Local 239, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

• Ainsley Elizabeth Orr of Wesson, Mississippi. Orr, whose father, Troy Orr, is a member of BMWED-IBT Local 1539, has been awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

“We are honored to recognize this year’s Union Plus Scholarship award winners,” Union Plus President Mitch Stevens said. “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.”

Meet Some of the 2026 BMWED-IBT Honorees

Tayler Marie Ashlock

Missouri State University (MSU)

Weaubleau [Missouri] High School (WHS) (2024)

Tayler is an agricultural communications major in MSU’s William H. Darr College of Agriculture and expects to graduate in May 2027. She hopes to attend the University of Missouri School of Law and use her education to advance fairness, sustainability, and opportunity in the agriculture industry. Tayler gained a better appreciation for her father’s BMWED-IBT membership when he was injured at work and the union ensured that he received medical care, the family was supported, and his job was secure. “Watching that process taught me what solidarity truly means,” Tayler said. “Being a part of a union means you’re never alone, even in your hardest moments. That lesson has shaped the way I look at leadership, loyalty, and justice in my own life, and it’s something I will carry forward wherever my career takes me.”

MSU instructor Clara Dickinson praised Tayler’s dedication to the future of the agriculture industry as well as her time-management and organizational abilities. “The Union Plus Scholarship will allow Tayler to continue a scholarly career marked by growth,” Dickinson said. “She is a remarkably hardworking individual who excels in communication-focused roles. Her academic achievements and practical experience reflect her dedication to excellence. Tayler’s creativity, adaptability, and willingness to take initiative make her an asset in any setting.”

Activities: MSU Alpha Gamma Rho agriculture fraternity communications assistant; National FFA Organization WHS chapter; WHS Future Business Leaders of America

Honors: MSU Darr College of Agriculture Scholar; MSU dean’s list; WHS salutatorian

Employment and volunteerism: local law firm internship; Springfield Cardinals (St. Louis Cardinals AA affiliate) game day ambassador intern; MSU Athletics graphic design, photography; WHS FFA, FBLA alumni supporter; youth sports referee

Kaydence Marlene Burclaw

University of Wisconsin (UW)–Eau Claire

Wittenberg-Birnamwood [Wisconsin] High School (WBHS) (2024)

Kaydence recently completed her second year as a biology major at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and will transfer to UW–Stevens Point this fall in the same major. She aspires to become an orthopedic physician assistant and hopes to eventually work in a privately owned, small-town clinic. Kaydence obtained her certified nursing assistant (CNA) license at Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in Wausau, Wisconsin, and has worked in that capacity at Marshfield [Wisconsin] Medical Center since June 2024. Her father, Joseph Burclaw, joined BMWED-IBT in 2011 after separating from the U.S. Marine Corps. “I am grateful for my father being a part of BMWED-IBT,” Kaydence said. “It has helped our family with steady income and a safer, healthier, and greater quality of life.”

Janalee Nahring hired Kaydence for a CNA position at Pride Therapy and Living Campus (TLC), a rehabilitation and assisted living facility in Weston, Wisconsin, at which Kaydence worked prior to Marshfield Medical Center. “Kaydence is bright and personable, highly self-motivated, and capable of achieving any goal she sets her mind to,” Nahring said. “She always had a calm demeanor and worked well in stressful situations. She was a valuable and trusted member of the Pride TLC team, and we seek to hire more people like her. Kaydence will be an asset to her future employers.”

Activities: National Honor Society WBHS chapter president; WBHS student senate; WBHS senior class president; Rosholt Pioneers 4-H Club; National FFA Organization; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; WBHS Math League; WBHS Track and Field, Volleyball captain; WBHS Basketball; Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Honors: NTC Academic Scholar; Michigan Tech Women in Engineering Award; Heisman High School Scholar; Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up Scholar; Nueske Family Medical Science Scholar; Elwyn Remington Foundation Scholar; Garen Dodge Honors Scholar; Wittenberg Lions Club Scholar; WBHS valedictorian

Employment and volunteerism: Shopko Optical; Iola Car Show Special Olympics fundraiser; Disabled Vets of America; local soup kitchen, homeless shelter

Braydon Dahlke

Utah Valley University (UVU)

Woods Cross [Utah] High School (WCHS) (2022)

Braydon is an engineering design technology major at Utah Valley University and expects to graduate in May 2029. His career goals include founding an architecture firm that preserves craft and sustainability without sacrificing cost. Brayden’s father, Jared Dahlke, joined BMWED-IBT in 1999 and has served as Local 1227 president for more than eight years. “My dad raised me to stand up for the little guy,” Braydon said. “His BMWED-IBT involvement has taught me that leadership is about taking into account the complexity of the lives of people you serve. Being a dependent of a BMWED-IBT member has truly been nothing short of a blessing.”

Prior to attending UVU, Braydon served a two-year mission to Rome with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, during which he helped with meal preparation, taught English and learned two languages, and provided spiritual encouragement to the city’s less fortunate residents. “Learning another language for the sole purpose of helping people softens the heart of an individual more than anything else in this world,” Braydon said. “My heart grew in compassion, and indeed, service has changed my life for the better.”

Activities: Scouting America National Youth Leadership Training; USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships youth open rhythm qualifier

Honors: UVU Outstanding Merit Scholar; WCHS high honors graduate, high honor roll; Eagle Scout

Employment and volunteerism: Iron Works LLC professional welding apprentice; lawncare business owner; local church youth leader

Ainsley Elizabeth Orr

East Mississippi Community College (EMCC)

Brookhaven [Mississippi] Academy (BA) (2025)

Ainsley is a mechanical engineering major at East Mississippi Community College, where she is a member of the Lions’ soccer team. She expects to graduate in May 2027 and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree thereafter, with hopes to study abroad. Ainsley earned college credit at Copiah-Lincoln Community College through Brookhaven Academy’s dual enrollment program. Her father, Troy Orr, has been a BMWED-IBT member since 1996. “The Union Plus Scholarship will allow me to continue to be active in campus life, be a student-athlete, and focus on my studies without being burdened financially,” Ainsley said. “I am determined to succeed academically and to fulfill my educational goals. I am grateful for this opportunity and plan to use my skills to help others in my community.”

EMCC recruiting coordinator David Williams has worked with Ainsley in her role as a student ambassador. He lauded her work ethic, leadership skills, and contributions to the campus culture. “I have been struck by her ability to balance the rigorous demands of collegiate life with grace and determination,” Williams said. “Her ability to excel in the classroom while committing herself to the (soccer) pitch speaks volumes about her time management skills and her ‘student-first’ mentality. Ainsley embodies the tenacity and community spirit that the labor movement and Union Plus celebrate. I have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things and give back to her community in meaningful ways.”

Activities: Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary Crown Club; National Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta math honor society; BA Quiz Bowl team; BA Basketball, Soccer; Ole Brook Futbol Club; Mississippi Jazz AAU basketball team

Honors: James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholar; Mississippi Tuition Assistance grantee; University of Mississippi Trent Lott Leadership Institute nominee; Midsouth Association of Independent Schools All-Star Basketball

Work and volunteerism: disability caregiver; Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce junior ambassador; Heucks Retreat Baptist Church (HRBC) student leadership, technology teams; HRBC children’s church, Vacation Bible School

Learn More About the Union Plus Scholarship Program

The Union Plus Scholarship Program, now in its 35th year, awards scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need, and commitment to the values of organized labor. The program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation.

Since starting the program in 1991, Union Plus has awarded more than $6.2 million in educational funding to more than 4,400 union members, spouses, and dependent children. Union Plus Scholarship awards are granted to students attending a two-year college, four-year college, graduate school, or recognized technical or trade school. The selection process is exceptionally competitive: 6,335 applications were received this year from 68 unions and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three U.S. territories, and five Canadian provinces.

Visit unionplus.org/scholarship for applications and benefit eligibility.

About Union Plus

Union Plus, founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Over the last four decades, Union Plus has used the collective buying power of America’s nearly 15 million union members to deliver top-quality benefits and services at competitive prices to working families. Programs include financial services, hardship help, and money-saving benefits, including exclusive everyday discounts on wireless service, travel, and more.

Additional education programs include the Union Plus College Program and the Union Plus Student Debt Navigator. The College Program offers exclusive tuition discounts, financial aid, and grants, providing union members and their families with the opportunity to earn affordable, online degrees and certificates. The Student Debt Navigator is a tool that can help student loan borrowers lower monthly payments and navigate loan forgiveness programs.

Visit unionplus.org to explore Union Plus’s 30-plus benefits.