Wahl
PENN YAN — Last year, Yates County Social Welfare Examiner Brandi Wahl was scrolling through her email when she noticed that she was eligible to enroll in a college degree program for free. The only stipulation was you must be a card carrying AFSCME/CSEA union member in good standing.
Wahl was compelled to find out more, and immediately filled out an inquiry form and followed the enrollment steps. A few weeks later, in September 2020, she began taking classes through Central State University, a regionally accredited academic institution, pursuing an online degree in Criminal Justice.
Wahl, who is married and has six children ages 15-26, admits she was always academically curious and highly motivated to succeed in life.
“My day job is working for the Yates County Department of Social Services, and my part-time job is working as a corrections officer for Schuyler County,” said Wahl. “I love public service and helping people. I already have an Associates’ Degree in Criminal Justice and was always thinking about advancing my career. Imagine my surprise when I found out about this CSEA member benefit. To think I could take online classes that have very few mandatory log-in times was something I knew I could manage. It was very appealing to me.”
“The best thing about the AFSCME Free College Benefit program is it’s 100 percent free for union members — I don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for tuition, fees or e-books,” said Wahl. “The benefit comes with membership.”
Wahl said another great aspect to the program is extended family members are all eligible to enroll as well, although her husband, children and stepchildren haven’t yet taken advantage of that perk.
“Eventually, I would like to get my Master’s Degree and be placed in a Criminal Justice career position that suits my interests and talents,” she said. “This free college benefit program is helping me get to where I want to be.”
— Ove Overmyer
Free Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program:
1-888-897-9671
bachelorsdegree.afscme.org
