{"id":7826,"date":"2025-10-03T11:10:29","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T15:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/?p=7826"},"modified":"2025-10-07T16:04:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T20:04:02","slug":"members-looking-for-college-assistance-have-options-through-pef-and-new-york-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-43-no-8\/members-looking-for-college-assistance-have-options-through-pef-and-new-york-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Members looking for college assistance have options through PEF and New York State\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"College<\/p>\n

\"NYOctober 7, 2025 —<\/em> 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. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

College Application Month waivers<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

October is NYS College Application Month (CAM), a statewide initiative to help more students take the important step of applying to college.<\/div>\n
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Nearly 130 colleges and universities throughout New York State are waiving their application fees for College Application Month! That means students can apply to multiple colleges without the burden of application fees, removing a big barrier and making it easier for students to pursue their college goals.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) leads this effort, providing students and families with resources, guidance, and support to make the college application process less stressful and more affordable.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0Visit hesc.ny.gov\/CAM<\/a> for a complete list of participating schools and their fee waiver dates.<\/div>\n

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Scholarships from PEF<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PEFSince 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PEF members and their children can now begin the application process for next year <\/span>by visiting the PEF website.<\/span><\/a> Preliminary applications are due by March 13, 2026.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>this page<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>Jean DeBow Women in PEF Scholarship<\/span><\/a>. 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,.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"UnionThe Union Plus Scholarship Program<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PEF\u2019s affiliation with AFT and SEIU means members are also eligible for the <\/span>Union Plus Scholarship Program<\/span><\/a>. 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\u2019s deadline is Jan. 31, 2026.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NYS Stem Incentive Program<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2026-27 NYS STEM Incentive Program<\/a> application is now open for New York state students who plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY college.<\/p>\n

To be eligible, students must:<\/p>\n