With the economy in a mess, the rising cost of a college education is putting working families in a bind.  Several programs designed for UFCW members, however, can help you afford college.

1) The new Union Plus College Savings Grant offers $500 to union members who open a new tax-free “529” college savings or prepaid tuition plan after January 1, 2009.   The 529 plans, operated by each individual state, encourage people to save for future college costs.  UFCW members could open an account for your child or grandchild. Click Here for details and an online application. 

For every UFCW member who joins the Union Plus Facebook Fan page, we’ll donate $100 to the special trust that provides the financial backing for these college savings and other Union SAFE grants to union members. 

Union SAFE grants offer money that does not need to be repaid to qualified union members who are saving for their child’s education, are laid off, on strike, disabled, facing debt problems or large uncovered hospital bills. 

2) Union Plus scholarships are also available to union members and their children.  Click Here for details.

3) Need to move your child to college?  Ready to save on your kid’s cell phone plan, computer needs, etc.?  Budget truck rental discounts, AT&T wireless savings and other discounts for union members and their kids are available here.