Scholarship Opportunities and Financial Services for USEP Members and Families

Looking to further your education or seeking a scholarship for a graduating senior?  Then check out several scholarship opportunities for USEP members and families.   The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Robert G. Porter Scholars Program offers four-year $8,000 scholarships to union members’ dependent graduating high school seniors. Also offered is a $1,000 grant award open to union members pursuing courses in labor relations or in your field of work.  The deadline date for both scholarships is March 31, 2014. Applications available only online. 

United School Employees of Pasco is offering four $1,000 scholarships. 

•  Post-secondary Scholarship Award–High school seniors whose parents or guardians are USEP members may be eligible for a $1000 grant award to any accredited community college, university, college, or technical trade school, providing they have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA, are active in a variety of activities, and demonstrate recognizable leadership.  Two scholarships will be awarded.
• SRP Scholarship Award–USEP non-instructional members seeking a degree in Education or Labor Relations may apply for a $1000 grant award.
• Instructional Scholarship Award–USEP instructional members seeking an advanced degree in Education or Labor Relations may apply for a $1000 grant award.

The deadline for all USEP-sponsored scholarships is April 23, 2014. Applications available  online. 

Financial Services for USEP Members

Looking to get out of debt? Union benefits can help.  The number one strategy used by people who have dug out of credit card debt is implementing a budget. A budget will show you how much money you have coming in and going out, and allows you to figure out how much you can put toward debt or your savings goal.   USEP members get free financial and budget planning from our benefit partners. USEP’s long term financial partner VALIC has been helping USEP members meet their financial goals for years.  Give them a call at 813-269-3362.

Create a Support System. A credit counselor can help create a realistic budget, and even help  work out an affordable payment plan if necessary. And best of all, their advice is confidential.  Union members are eligible for a free budget analysis session through Money Management International (MMI), a non-profit, accredited counseling agent.  Because we are affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), USEP members may call experienced credit counselors 24/7 at 1-877-833-1745. If you and your counselor decide a Debt Management Plan is appropriate, you will be eligible to have DMP fees reimbursed after successfully completing 12 months of the plan (union members only).