The Winpisinger Center has opened applications for the 2026 Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant, with a submission deadline of November 30. The grant aims to support local chapters of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) that wish to send current or emerging leaders to leadership training but lack sufficient resources.
Established by Official Circular 908, the grant provides funding annually to one local from each IAM Territory. As of 2025, eligible territories include the Eastern, Midwestern, Western, Southern, Canadian, and Air Transport Territories, as well as Headquarters and vicinity, including the Rail Division. The grant reimburses all costs incurred by locals sending a member to a leadership program at the Winpisinger Center.
The grant is renewable for each selected local. Members chosen may attend up to four leadership programs—one per year—if they satisfactorily complete each previous program and if their local submits an accountability statement confirming their participation in and contribution to local activities.
In 2025, seven locals from across North America received the inaugural Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant: Local 550 (Surrey, British Columbia), Local 4538 (Towson, Maryland), Local 1894 (South Ozone Park, New York), Local 2916 (Corpus Christi, Texas), Local 104 (Huntington, West Virginia), Local 1613 (Vandalia, West Virginia), and Local W38 (Shelton, Washington).
The Chris Wagoner Memorial Leadership Grant was created by delegates at the 2024 IAM International Convention in honor of Chris Wagoner. Wagoner served as Director of the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center until his death in 2022. He was a member of IAM for three decades.
“Brother Wagoner…believed that expanding opportunities for Leadership training was critical to our future growth and strength as a union.”
