The 1199SEIU Home Care Industry Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations and advertisements are deductible to the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue Code.
About the Basil and Portia Paterson Scholarship
The Basil and Portia Paterson Scholarship provides tuition and financial support to home care workers enrolled in college and allied health certification programs. Awards are based on a competitive review process, and, if granted, may be used to pay for up to nine credits per semester. Since we recognize the real-world difficulties our home care workers often encounter as they pursue their academic and career goals, the scholarship includes a cash stipend each academic term in addition to providing resources to cover tuition and college fees, transportation, child-care expenses and, where applicable, the cost of review courses for licensing exams.
The scholarship was created in 2013 to honor Basil A. Paterson, who had a special place in his heart for the Union’s home care workers. Basil was a labor law attorney for more than 45 years and a former Secretary of State of New York. He spent 20 years as counsel for 1199SEIU Home Care and Hospital Workers.
Read about Basil A. Paterson’s Legacy
In 2026, the scholarship was expanded to honor both Basil A. Paterson and his wife, Portia Emily Paterson, recognizing their shared commitment to education and social justice. Portia was an accomplished educator and civil rights advocate who dedicated her career to advancing opportunity. Her work and values reflected the same belief that guided Basil’s lifelong commitment to public service—that those who care for others deserve access to education, dignity and the opportunity to advance.
Learn more about Portia Emily Paterson
For more information about emerging careers and certificate and scholarship programs, please contact Frances Sadler at Frances.Sadler@1199Funds.org.
The 1199SEIU Home Care Industry Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations and advertisements are deductible to the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue Code.