LABOR DAY PARADE

Join your DC 37 family as we march in the 2023 NYC Labor Day Parade featuring Grand Marshal Nancy Hagans, NYSNA President, with the theme of We Organize, We Rise.

Saturday, September 9, at 10 a.m.

DC 37 Assembly Area: West 44^th Street, between 6^th Avenue and Broadway

Register to join us at https://www.mobilize.us/afscmedc37/event/571908/. There is no limit to the number of participants who can march with DC 37— the more, the merrier so we can show this city WHO RUNS NEW YORK!

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MELS

UPDATE FOR STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS

The U.S. Department of Education has recently implemented two beneficial programs for many borrowers: Fresh Start and One Time Adjustment. In addition, there is a new Income-Driven Repayment plan available called SAVE.

FRESH START

The Fresh Start program assists borrowers with student loans in default status. The program applies to both direct loans and FFELP loans that fell into default prior to the COVID-19 student loan payment pause. Borrowers with loans in this status may contact their servicers or the U.S. Department of Education’s Default Resolution Group (if that is where the loans have been placed) to request participation in the Fresh Start program. These loans will be returned to good standing.

FFELP loans that fell into default during the COVID-19 forbearance period will transfer to the U.S. Department of Education in good standing. No action on the part of the borrower is required. (REMINDER: Direct Loans did not go into default during the COVID-19 payment pause because borrowers were not required to pay.)

Borrowers will be contacted by their loan servicers to arrange resumed payments.

ONE-TIME ADJUSTMENT

Depending on the types of loans, borrowers on income-driven repayment plans were always eligible for forgiveness of any remaining balance after making payments for 20 or 25 years (in the case of Public Service Loan Forgiveness, after making 120 payments).

Designed to redress errors in calculation and excessive periods spent in forbearance, this plan is much like the waiver period. The waiver period relaxed the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan forgiveness and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules. In addition, the one-time adjustment has opened additional paths for borrowers to benefit from IDR forgiveness if they have not paid pursuant to an IDR in the past. The one-time adjustment applies to borrowers with direct loans, FFELP loans, and Parent Plus loans. Borrowers with FFELP loans will need to consolidate to a direct loan.

The adjustment will credit any and all time spent in repayment of direct loans, Parent Plus loans, and FFELP loans toward forgiveness regardless of the type of repayment plan a borrower was on. Borrowers who select an Income Driven Repayment plan when payment resumes will be reviewed for the adjustment whether or not they were on an IDR in the past. Additionally, the adjustment will credit excessive amounts of time spent in forbearance as qualifying payments toward forgiveness. (There are additional credit categories.)

THE SAVE REPAYMENT PLAN

The SAVE repayment plan is the new income-driven repayment plan, which will qualify for IDR forgiveness and for the public service loan forgiveness program. The improved rate of savings is realized by subtracting and exempting a higher percentage of a borrower’s gross income and by reducing the percentage of the discretionary income accessed for payment. Borrowers currently on REPAYE will be switched to SAVE automatically. Those on other IDR plans should speak with their loan servicer about switching.

There are a number of items to take into consideration prior to consolidating one’s loans. DC 37 members eligible for the MELS benefit and their eligible family members are encouraged to contact MELS to speak with an attorney for information and assistance. To open an inquiry, please call the MELS Screening and Intake Unit at (212) 815-1111.

STUDENT LOAN DEBT WEBINAR

MELS will hold a Student Loan Debt Webinar on Wednesday, October 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

During this webinar, we will discuss:

• Fresh Start: Bringing Student Loans in Default Current Without Penalty
• One-Time Adjustment: Fast-tracking the Path to Income Driven and Public Service Loan Forgiveness for Eligible Borrowers
• The SAVE Repayment Plan: Eligibility and How it Works

To register, please click HERE.

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MSK

Prostate Cancer Awareness Webinar

Please join us for a webinar on Prostate Cancer Awareness on Wednesday, September 13, from 1-2 p.m., ET. To register for the webinar, scan the QR code or click HERE.

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DC 37 LATINO HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Join the DC 37 Latino Heritage Committee to celebrate Latino Heritage Month at these great virtual events!

DC 37 Latino Heritage Opening Ceremony:

Date and Time: September 8, 2023 6 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82976555683?pwd=REdPV3BWSk9qUktPbDJqT29ZZzl2UT09

Meeting ID: 829 7655 5683

Passcode: 575758

 

SSEU Local 371 Latino Heritage Celebration:

Date and Time: September 22, 2023 6 P.M.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85124927186?pwd=NWNERHlFQ3ZWZ2dpSU5Bb0JaLy95QT09

Meeting ID: 851 2492 7186

Passcode: 113073

 

DC 37 Latino Heritage Finale Celebration:

Date and Time: September 29, 2023 6 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88270258266?pwd=VEx0YjJObnRjaGt1TEh6MC8rV0grZz09

Meeting ID: 882 7025 8266

Passcode: 442417

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DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

FALL 2023 REGISTRATION FOR ED FUND CLASSES IS ONGOING

Registration for the FALL 2023 semester with the union’s Education Fund is available on the DC 37 website. You can check the website by clicking HERE for information on classes, schedules or to register for a program.

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EDUCATION FUND OFFERING CISCO/COMPTIA+ CERTIFICATION COURSES

In conjunction with CUNY BMCC, The DC 37 Education Fund is offering a Computer Network course that will prepare members to sit for and pass various CISCO and CompTIA+ certification exams. The admissions process for the program is extremely rigorous requiring the following: an interview, technical assessment, prior computer education and/or experience, essay, letter of recommendation and review of college transcripts. For more information on the program and all of the requirements for admission, please click HERE.

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THE DC 37 GREEN JOBS TRAINING PROGRAM IS BACK AND IT’S EXPANDING!

The DC37 Education Fund is happy to announce the Green Jobs Training Expansion Program, a grant-funded training program for eligible DC 37 members to receive free, hands-on instruction in areas of need within the green economy and energy sector.

Training courses include Energy Auditing, Multifamily and Commercial Building Analyst, Carbon Accounting, LEED Green Associate, Energy Benchmarking and Construction Management. These courses and more will prepare members for certifications and licenses offered and recognized by the Building Performance Institute, Urban Green Council and Association of Energy Engineers.

If you are interested in more information on these courses and what this training can provide for you, click HERE.

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NYC CAREER MAPS

The DC 37 Education Fund and CUNY’s New York City Labor Market Information Service (NYCLMIS) have created career maps to promote the career development of the DC 37 membership. These online maps identify, illustrate and describe opportunities for advancement for selected covered job titles.

Career maps are available for the following fields: (1) Administrative and Data-Focused Health Care; (2) HVAC-R; (3) IT Networking; (4) Parks and Recreation; (5) Patient-Care Focused Health Care, and (6) Software Development. You can view these maps HERE.

Be on the lookout for more Ed Fund career maps in the near future. For information, call the DC 37 Ed Fund at 212-815-1700 or email edfund@dc37.net.

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EDUCATION AND CAREER COUNSELING

Do you need guidance selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Contact an Ed Fund counselor HERE to schedule a virtual appointment.

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CUNY COUNSELING IS HERE FOR YOU!

This is the ideal time to plan for FALL 2023 enrollment at the CUNY college of your choice. Let Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) help guide you through the process of finding the best CUNY program to match your education and career goals.

Expert advisors offer FREE one-on-one phone sessions on academic requirements for specific jobs; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY, transferring previous credits, and more. Each session is free and catered to your specific goals and needs. There are many dates available to meet with an advisor before the Fall 2023 semester.

View the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session here https://cunydays.eventbrite.com/. Can’t find a date/time that works for you? Email WorkerEd@slu.cuny.edu.

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ADVANCED PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASSES

The Advanced Public Speaking class builds on foundational public speaking concepts by introducing and developing impromptu public speaking, adhering to strict time limits, incorporating source material, advanced use of visual aids and advanced persuasive speech. Classes begin in October and you must have already completed the basic Public Speaking class as a pre-requisite. For more information and to apply, please click HERE.

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TEST PREP WORKSHOPS

The Ed Fund Test Prep/Math and Test Prep/Reading workshops assist members in improving their test-taking skills in the two primary academic areas. These six-session workshops are not tailored to a specific exam but provide and support skill-building and strategies to improve your scores on competitive exams. Math/Test Prep will be offered on six consecutive Tuesdays starting October 10; Test Prep/Reading will be offered on Thursdays beginning October 12. Since these workshops are conducted virtually, a computer is needed to participate. To register for one or both, click HERE.

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UPDATE: THE GED IS BACK!

Since January 2022, the High School Equivalency exam is the GED again. However, there are changes to the exam and the way you schedule your test. There are four subtests on the exam instead of five. In addition to Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science, the Reading and Writing are combined in a subtest called Reasoning Through Language Arts. The good news is that passing scores from the tests taken between 2002 and 2021 count toward earning your diploma.

You must create your own GED account to schedule an exam. Information about the GED exam can be found at ged.com. The exams are primarily offered online and must be taken at an official GED testing center.

DC 37 offers prep classes for eligible members online, in person and hybrid through our partner colleges and are available in English and Spanish.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment with an Educational Counselor, email ppunch@dc37.net.

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EDUCATION FUND COMPUTER CLASSES

Microsoft Office Certificate Program at Hostos Community College

The Microsoft Office Certificate Program will provide students with the technical skills needed in today’s work force, covering basic computer and keyboarding skills as well as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. To register, click HERE.

Microsoft Word at Queens College

The word-processing course covers the basics:

• Creating
• Editing
• Printing documents

In this class, you will learn how to save and organize documents, format paragraphs, copy and move text, set margins and tabs, spell check, and auto correct features. To register, click HERE.

Microsoft Excel

This course is offered through both CUNY Queens College and CUNY City College/Center for Worker Education. It covers spreadsheet applications where students will design useful and attractive spreadsheets using editing and formatting of numerical and text data; write formulas and use numerical data to create charts and graphs. Must have Microsoft Word skills as well as access to broadband internet, a computer operating on Windows 10 or Mac OS (Sierra or later), Microsoft Office version 2016 or later and a microphone. Additionally, for Excel Level 1, you must have already successfully taken Introduction to Computers or have basic working knowledge of the computer as well as Microsoft Word Level 1 or equivalent. For Excel Level 2, you must have already completed Microsoft Excel Level 1. To register, click HERE.

NEW CLASS! Navigating the Internet

In this course, students will learn to use various search engines, how to search for information from various approaches, how to distinguish credible online sources and how to navigate academic databases. Students must have access to broadband internet, a computer operating on Windows 10 or Mac OS (Sierra or later), a working email address, a computer microphone and camera. To register, click HERE.

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RESUME WRITING AND INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

Both of these virtual workshops are still available and accepting applications. As a follow-up to attending the workshops, an appointment will be scheduled for each attendee to assist with updating their resume and conduct a mock interview with the instructor. To register for Resume Writing, click HERE. To register for Interview Techniques, click HERE.

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FREE COLLEGE PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL 372 MEMBERS IN SPECIFIC JOB TITLES

Local 372 Paraprofessionals can earn 18 credits annually towards a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe College. To begin the process to enroll for the Fall 2023 term, complete an online application: [www.dc37edfund.org/monroectpcandidateform?link_id=25&can_id=f9f87398b9f945a9a98a64a0cf61d8dc&source=email-dc-37-news-events-and-services-you-can-use-in-september&email_referrer=email_2031633&email_subject=dc-37-news-events-and-services-you-can-use-in-september]www.dc37edfund.org/monroectpcandidateform. For questions, email: ppunch@dc37.net.

Local 372 Members Working in School Food can earn an associate’s degree in Nutrition and Culinary Management through a partnership with LaGuardia Community College. To begin the process to enroll for the Fall 2023 term, complete an online application at [www.dc37edfund.org/laguardiacandidateform?link_id=27&can_id=f9f87398b9f945a9a98a64a0cf61d8dc&source=email-dc-37-news-events-and-services-you-can-use-in-september&email_referrer=email_2031633&email_subject=dc-37-news-events-and-services-you-can-use-in-september]www.dc37edfund.org/laguardiacandidateform. For questions, email: lpicano@dc37.net

PLEASE NOTE: A high school diploma or equivalency is required to attend these college programs. Transfer credits may be accepted.

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RETIREES EDUCATION COURSES FOR FALL 2023

The Ed Fund is accepting applications for classes for the FALL 2023 cycle. Apply online HERE or visit: https://www.dc37.net/benefits/education/deptclasses/retirees.

For questions, please contact Manuel Gomez-Rosa at mgomezrosa@dc37.net or call 212-815-1700.