With the already high cost of college growing each semester, working families are finding it hard to afford higher education for their children. Union Plus, part of Union Privilege, the consumer benefits arm of the AFL-CIO, is helping union members reach their education savings goals with Union Plus college savings grants.

Gary Rothman of Laguna Niguel, Calif., a member of Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 277, received a $500 college savings grant to help pay for his son’s college education.

He says:

The $500 Union Plus education grant is just one more way my union is helping my family. To get this extra money is a big help and it’s one more reason to start saving now. ‘Do it for your kid,’ I tell people.

Rothman opened a new 529 college savings plan, also known as a pre-paid tuition account, for his son Jason, applied for a grant and the $500 arrived within a few weeks. “Extra money for my son’s college with no strings attached,” he says.

Union Plus college savings grants provide $500 to union members and retirees who open a new 529 for their young children or grandchildren. The account must have a balance of at least $1,000 and the beneficiary must be 12 years old or younger at the time the account is opened.

 The college savings grant is just one of the education assistance programs Union Plus offers to union members. Click the links below to learn more about an array of Union Plus scholarships and other programs that can help you meet the high cost of paying college, and help prepare union members, their children and grandchildren for the future. Here are some of the programs:

• Union Plus Scholarship Online Application: $150,000 in awards to union members and their children.
• Education Rebates: Education rebates of $50, $125 or $250 for Union Plus Credit Card holders who make eligible education-related purchases.
• National Labor College Scholarships: Help for union members and leaders who want to obtain degrees at the National Labor College.
• Test Prep Savings: Save 15 percent to 60 percent on college and graduate school test preparation courses from The Princeton Review.