May 17, 2024 — Do you have a college-bound student this year? They might be able to apply for several scholarships offered by PEF or other union organizations.
The cost of college is daunting and sometimes even prohibitive.
Full-time resident students at public four-year colleges spend an average of $24,840 per academic year, while non-resident students spend an average of $46,730. Those attending private nonprofit four-year institutions pay even more: an average of $60,420 per academic year, according to Bankrate.
A few options, for specific PEF Regions and Divisions:
PEF Region 1: Region 1 is offering legal dependents of active Region 1 members the opportunity to win four $500 scholarships in honor of Judi Scanlon. Click here for the application form and eligibility requirements. Winner will be determined by a random drawing of those who complete all requirements. Applicants cannot have won in the past four years. Mail your application (must be postmarked by no later than June 14, 2024) to: PEF Region 1 Coordinator Michele Iorfida, PEF Region 1 Office, 4950 Genesee Street, Ste. 150, Cheektowaga, NY 14225.
PEF Division 167: Division 167 is offering four $400 scholarships to a child or grandchild of an active PEF member from Division 167 working at Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center or the Western New York DDSO/DDRO entering as a freshman or continuing higher education up to and including a doctorate degree OR an active PEF Division 167 member in pursuit of a degree. Click here for the application and here for the information flyer. Deadline is July 10, 2024.
PEF Division 206: Division 206 is proud to offer two $250 scholarships to help two deserving students pursuing higher education in honor of Vicky Stockton. Click here for more information.
PEF Division 240: Division 240 is conducting its annual Prashant “Pete” Singapura College Scholarship Contest, with up to nine scholarships awarded (two for $1,000; one for $500; three for $350; and three for $150). Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be a PEF member of Division 240 or their dependent or their immediate family member (Mother, Father, Son, Daughter, Spouse or Domestic Partner) OR applicant must provide proof of fulltime or parttime enrollment at an accredited college or university for spring 2024, or a college acceptance letter for fall 2024 to an accredited college or university. Click here for the application and here for the informational flyer. Deadline is July 19, 2024.
Check with your PEF Council Leader or Regional Coordinator for information on local scholarships in your area.
Division 343: The Division is conducting its first Annual College Scholarship Contest and will be awarding one $1,000 scholarship to the winner.
Applicants must be the child and/or family member of a PEF Division 343 member and be a high school graduate or soon-to-be graduate who is enrolled in an accredited New York state college for the fall of 2024 term as a freshman.
Fill out the form here and email it to Division Secretary Christine Thompson at Namena@yahoo.com and cc: Steward Kathleen Pepper at RSC90@aol.com, along with the typewritten essay and proof of enrollment. Include PEF Division 343 Scholarship Fall 2024 in the subject line.
Application deadline is July 5, 2024. The winner will be announced July 19, 2024.
Prepare for the next round of Union Plus scholarships
While the deadline for this school year has passed, applications for the 2025 Union Plus Scholarship Program will be available in mid-June and it can’t hurt to get an early start on the process.
Since 1991, the program has awarded more than $5.4 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education, helping more than 3,800 families.
Eligibility: Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant’s spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one-year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year.
Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. The required essays can account for up to half your total score. Scholarship applicants are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators.
Amounts range from $500 to $4,000.
Other PEF scholarships
Make sure you take note of deadlines and applications for other PEF scholarships, such as the Joseph Scacalossi and the Judi Scanlon scholarships, which are complete for this year, but will be available again for 2025. All scholarship information can be found on the PEF website.