Union plus free BACHELOR's program(COVID-19)

[MNomadic]

As was shared a few years ago, many unions that are affiliated with AFL-CIO/Union Plus offer a free associates degree program(from EGCC) to union members, their families and even domestic partners:

https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ight=union

In the wake of the current pandemic, they have TEMPORARILY expanded that benefit to include bachelor's degree programs(from Central State University):

https://bachelorsdegree.unionplus.org/?g...MEEALw_wcB



"In response to the current economic and health uncertainty, for a limited time, your union is offering this normally low-cost benefit completely for free! All students who begin or continue their academic program with the Summer term are eligible for a last-dollar scholarship, which allows students to complete their degree (through graduation) with no out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees, or e-books. So, don't delay - enroll in the summer term today."

"Enroll By Summer Start Dates To Take Advantage Of This FREE Opportunity! "

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It looks like the bachelor's programs currently only include education, criminal justice and business administration. Also, they're really expanded who's eligible to basically anyone related to a union member: "The Free College Benefit is open to union members in good standing, who are full dues-paying members or retiree members, and their families. Families are children (or stepchildren), grandchildren (or step-grandchildren), spouses, domestic partners, financial dependents, siblings and parents; including in-laws. Additional family members may qualify. Check with your union to confirm."

FAQs:

https://bachelorsdegree.unionplus.org/faqs/#/

[ctcarl]

Does anybody have any kind of a road map or guidance for this program?

I signed up a family member who was hoping for a no-cost Associates program.  I was directed to apply to Central State University, which I did.  The acceptance email included this passage:

"If you do not have an associate degree in your requested major from an accredited institution, you may need to complete general education requirements and/or pre-requisite requirements.  You will have the option to do so through the Free College Program at Does anybody have any kind of a road map or guidance for this program?  I signed up a family member who was hoping for a no-cost Associates program.  I was directed to apply to Central State University, which I did.  The acceptance email included this passage:  "If you do not have an associate degree in your requested major from an accredited institution, you may need to complete general education requirements and/or pre-requisite requirements.  You will have the option to do so through the Free College Program at Eastern Gateway Community College".

I'm trying to figure out how this works.  Can you pursue an Associates at EGCC without CSU?  Does the no-cost option apply to EGCC, or would you have to take your gen eds at CSU?  Is that even an option?  Is it too late for the no-cost promotion?

Any info would be helpful.

Thanks!

[freeloader]

Does anybody have any kind of a road map or guidance for this program?

I signed up a family member who was hoping for a no-cost Associates program.  I was directed to apply to Central State University, which I did.  The acceptance email included this passage:

"If you do not have an associate degree in your requested major from an accredited institution, you may need to complete general education requirements and/or pre-requisite requirements.  You will have the option to do so through the Free College Program at Does anybody have any kind of a road map or guidance for this program?  I signed up a family member who was hoping for a no-cost Associates program.  I was directed to apply to Central State University, which I did.  The acceptance email included this passage:  "If you do not have an associate degree in your requested major from an accredited institution, you may need to complete general education requirements and/or pre-requisite requirements.  You will have the option to do so through the Free College Program at Eastern Gateway Community College".

I'm trying to figure out how this works.  Can you pursue an Associates at EGCC without CSU?  Does the no-cost option apply to EGCC, or would you have to take your gen eds at CSU?  Is that even an option?  Is it too late for the no-cost promotion?

Any info would be helpful.

Thanks!

I took a bunch of classes through EGCC when I was covered by a participating union (AFGE; I miss them). 

In short, your relative needs to start with EGCC, it sounds like. Here is a link for general program info: https://www.egccfreecollege.org/

There is a link on the page above to request info, but you don’t really have to do that. If you/your family member know you qualify, know what program of study you/they want, just go straight here: https://www.egccfreecollege.org/steps-to-enrollment/

This program has been going on for years and seems to only be getting stronger.  What is new/different and likely will go away is the free bachelor’s programs through Central State University. The Union Plus partnership program was offering a discounted bachelors program through Central State (although it was too limited and expensive before the COVID related change to free, IMHO).

[MNomadic]

https://www.unionplusfreecollege.org/

The free bachelor's program (which is still going on) is only for people who have an associate's or 60 transfer credits. So if you don't have 60 credits, you'd do the egcc program first, which is also free. That's how I understand it.

[Erikabol]

How does this work? My step dads Union is affiliated, I’d love to get started ASAP!

[MNomadic]

How does this work? My step dads Union is affiliated, I’d love to get started ASAP!

Did you check any of the links?

[ctcarl]

I took a bunch of classes through EGCC when I was covered by a participating union (AFGE; I miss them). 

In short, your relative needs to start with EGCC, it sounds like. Here is a link for general program info: https://www.egccfreecollege.org/

There is a link on the page above to request info, but you don’t really have to do that. If you/your family member know you qualify, know what program of study you/they want, just go straight here: https://www.egccfreecollege.org/steps-to-enrollment/

This program has been going on for years and seems to only be getting stronger.  What is new/different and likely will go away is the free bachelor’s programs through Central State University. The Union Plus partnership program was offering a discounted bachelors program through Central State (although it was too limited and expensive before the COVID related change to free, IMHO).

All clear now. Thanks very much!

[cecilgambe7]

I just found this thread, it looks pretty nice.

It is posible to just take a few courses with them??

[Cofffeee]

I dont think it apply to foreign students