Schools
"College Degree For Free" Available To Local Residents
New tuition program now open to union members & their family members
Thousands of East Central Illinois residents are now eligible for a new program that waives all college tuition and other fees for local union members, retirees and their family members.
United Association Local 149 – the union representing plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters, welders, refrigeration techs and HVAC techs across East Central Illinois – announced the program today, in partnership with the national union.
An online information session is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 2 and those interested can register for that session by visiting www.ualocal149.com.
Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“We have always supported and prioritized education for our members and have strongly advocated for affordable tuition for working families,” said Matt Kelly, Business Manager for Local 149. “We are incredibly proud to be able to offer this amazing opportunity to not only our members, but to their families, as well. This is just another example of the way we are committed to investing in our people and in our community.”
United Association has partnered with Eastern Gateway Community College, a public, non-profit, accredited school located in Ohio, for all courses. Coursework can be completed online and as part of this special program, there is no out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees or books.
Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The free tuition program is open to any active or retired member of Local 149, as well as their spouses, children or stepchildren and their spouses, grandchildren or step grandchildren, parents, siblings or other relatives who are financially dependent upon Local 149 members.
Eastern Gateway Community College, founded in 1968, offers degrees, certificates and programs in areas that include nursing, public safety, engineering, IT, machining, business and education, among other fields.
Local 149, established in Champaign in 1899, represents more than 600 East Central Illinois residents in Ford, Champaign, Coles, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper and Piatt counties. Members work for more than 40 local companies providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, steam, industrial process, boiler and medical-gas piping services and have been instrumental in the construction and continued operation of countless local buildings, including Carle Foundation Hospital, Abbott Power Plant, EIU’s Renewable Energy Center and more.