Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Franklin University Award 2026 Scholarship to Maryland Union Member Pursuing Technology Solutions for Worker Safety

SPRING HILL, Tenn. –The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and Franklin University awarded the 2026 USA scholarship to Zachary Brengle of New Market, Maryland, at the USA’s 14th Annual Fundraising Gala in Washington, DC, on June 16. The award will help the union plumber and instructor continue his education while pursuing innovative ways to improve safety in the construction industry.

A member and instructor of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) Local 5, Brengle will use the scholarship to earn his bachelor’s degree in computer science through Franklin University. The scholarship, valued at $5,250 annually for up to six years of continuous enrollment, covers unlimited online undergraduate coursework and textbooks, allowing recipients to advance their education while continuing to work.

“We congratulate Zachary on this well-deserved scholarship award,” said Franklin University President Dr. David R. Decker. “We are proud to work with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance to provide these educational opportunities.” 

Brengle’s educational journey has been anything but conventional. After initially attending college, he found his calling through Local 5’s apprenticeship program, graduating near the top of his class. While working full time, he continued taking college courses, eventually earning associate’s degrees in computer science and cybersecurity after discovering a passion for technology and problem solving.

Last year, however, his academic plans were put on hold after he was struck by two semi-trucks in separate, non-fault traffic accidents. The injuries and months of physical therapy forced him to take a semester off from school while recovering physically and financially.

“This scholarship gives me the opportunity to get back on track without worrying about the financial burden,” Brengle said. “The union has opened so many doors for me, and I’m grateful to have the chance to continue my education so I can use what I learn to give back to the trades that have given me so much.”

Brengle plans to combine his field experience with advanced technology to develop systems that help prevent workplace accidents by identifying equipment failures and potential hazards before they become life-threatening.

He also hopes to use technology to improve access to mental health resources for construction workers after losing a close friend, mentor and union brother to suicide.

“Zachary’s perseverance, commitment to service and dedication to improving the lives of working people embody everything this scholarship represents,” said USA Executive Director and CEO Walt Ingram. “His vision for using technology to make jobsites safer while giving back to his community demonstrates the character and leadership we strive to support through this program.”

The USA Scholarship is made possible through the USA’s partnership with Employee Benefit Systems, Inc. (EBS) and the Union College Benefit. Established in late 2024, the partnership provides USA members and their families with affordable access to higher education through Franklin University and a network of colleges and universities offering discounted tuition, flexible online degree programs and free textbooks.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): The USA is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.

Franklin University: Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.