Page 18 - Work Force February 2021

Taking advantage of AFSCME Free College Benefit, it’s never too late to learn
VESTAL — CSEA
member Christine
Kovac-Thomas
describes her
family as “late
bloomers” when
it comes to higher
education. Her
mom went back
to college while in Kovac-Thomas her 60s.
Now, at age 51,
Kovac-Thomas has followed a similar path by taking advantage of the AFSCME Free College Benefit, a CSEA and AFSCME member-only benefit that allows union members and eligible family members to get higher education degrees and certificates online at no cost to members.
“I never went back to college because I started a family early. I didn’t feel like I had enough to go around; to go to school, work full-
time, and have a family,” Kovac- Thomas said. “When I saw that
you were able to go to college, basically on your own terms, it really appealed to me.”
Kovac-Thomas is a 20-year employee at the Broome County- owned Willow Point Nursing Home and works the night shift. As a certified nursing assistant, she’s responsible for assisting with her residents’ daily activities and any other hands-on care they might need. She is also a volunteer for the Broome County Citizens Emergency Response Team.
Kovac-Thomas started her online studies three years ago and now proudly holds certifications as
a “Patient Home Navigator” and “Medicare Information Specialist.”
Like many other people, COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into her plans.
“I haven’t taken advantage of
my graduation yet because of the pandemic,” Kovac-Thomas said. “I figured that right now, my facility really needs me. So, I sort of put my own interests on the side so I could help the nursing home
get through this.” Kovac-Thomas is
not entirely sure what she plans to do with the certifications.
She said that she
is playing it by ear
until her husband,
who was also able to
take advantage of the
free college program
because of her CSEA membership, finishes school.
“He’s always been interested
in computers and has a lot of knowledge,” Kovac-Thomas said. “So, I told him, ‘Why don’t you take advantage of the program and
L oll ca
get some paperwork behind that knowledge?’”
Kovac-Thomas highly praised the program.
“It was pretty much streamlined,” Kovac-Thomas said. “I
liked being able to have the choice of how many courses I wanted to take per semester. If I was going to regular school I don’t think (I’d have the same success).”
For those on the fence about taking advantage of the program, Kovac- Thomas offers this
advice.
“That time is going to pass
whether you’re going to school or not,” Kovac-Thomas said. “Advance your knowledge so that you can further your career.”
— Nicholas Newcomb
Learn More at freecollege.afscme.ofrgeec
or or call 888-590-9009
BRINGS A COLLEGE DEGREE WITHIN YOUR REACH FOR FREE.
BRINGS A
AFSCME and Eastern Gateway Community College are offering
COLLEGE
the chance to earn an online
degree from and accredited school
DEGREE WITHIN
with no out-of-pocket expense.
ITHIN
Benefit available to CSEA members
YOUR REACH.
as well as children, stepchildren,
grandchildren, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, parents and
H.
grandparents of CSEA members.
Who is eligible?
earn More at ege.afscm
ll 888-590
up SAVEto
Educational Benefits
40%
e.org -9009
to Advance Your Career
ON TUITION
FREE APPLICATION
TRANSFER MORE CREDITS AND FINISH SOONER FLEXIBLE COURSE SCHEDULES FIT YOUR BUSY LIFE
INCLUDES MEMBERS AND SPOUSES/DOMESTIC PARTNERS
Contact an admissions counselor. 844-843-9296
NYSCSEA.EXCELSIOR.EDU
FINANCIAL AID, DEFERRED TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND PAYMENT PLANS
USE TUITION BENEFITS TOWARD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
(INCLUDING COURSE AND EXAM VOUCHERS)
W AC
18 The Work Force
February 2021
“Time is going
to pass whether you’re going to school or not. Advance your knowledge so that you can further your career.”
A E
E