October 7, 2025 — Every year, costs associated with higher education increase, placing burdens on both students and their families as they try to cover tuition, room and board, textbooks and more. PEF members looking for ways to bring down those costs should consider various scholarships offered by the union and our partners in labor.
College Application Month waivers
Scholarships from PEF
Since 1988, PEF has sponsored the Joseph Scacalossi Scholarship. The scholarship awards $1,000 per year for four years to the child, stepchild, or ward of an active, retired or deceased PEF member. Only 10 students are chosen per year, and it is only available to high school seniors or college freshman.
PEF members and their children can now begin the application process for next year by visiting the PEF website. Preliminary applications are due by March 13, 2026.
PEF Regional and Division Scholarships are also sometimes available. In most cases, it is best for members to check with their PEF Council Leader or Regional Coordinator for more information on scholarships in your area. When headquarters is notified about them, we post details and application forms on this page.
PEF scholarships can also help PEF members, not just their dependents. Active female PEF members who are looking to pursue a degree at a post-secondary institution can submit an application for the Jean DeBow Women in PEF Scholarship. The scholarship was created in memory of former Vice President Jean DeBow. It awards winners $1,000 to assist in their education goals. Applications are due by May 1, 2026,.
The Union Plus Scholarship Program
PEF’s affiliation with AFT and SEIU means members are also eligible for the Union Plus Scholarship Program. This scholarship is very competitive, with more than 5,000 applications received each year. The awards range between $500 and $4,000. Applicants are scored based on academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. Next year’s deadline is Jan. 31, 2026.
NYS Stem Incentive Program
The 2026-27 NYS STEM Incentive Program application is now open for New York state students who plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY college.
To be eligible, students must:
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- Be ranked in the top 10% of their high school graduating class at a New York state high school.
- Enroll in an undergraduate program in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
- Commit to living and working in a STEM occupation in New York state for five years.
Students must apply for STEM during their senior year of high school. Students who don’t meet citizenship or residency requirements may still qualify for New York state financial aid through alternate pathways, like the Sen. José Peralta NYS DREAM Act or the Alternate Eligibility Path. Visit the Applying for Aid webpage to learn more.
The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is Aug. 15, 2026. To learn more and to apply, visit hesc.ny.gov/STEM
FAFSA, TAP now open
The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications are now open. Applying early means you’ll know your aid eligibility sooner, have time to fix any errors, and give colleges the information they need to build your financial aid package.
Steps to apply:
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- Create your StudentAid.gov account.
- Complete your FAFSA.
- Use the state link at the end to complete your TAP application.