Educational and Scholarship Opportunities
Local 338 Scholarship Awards Program
Applications for the 2024 Local 338 Scholarship have closed. Please check back in the Fall.
RWDSU's Alvin E. Heaps Memorial Scholarship
To apply please click here: https://www.rwdsu.org/scholarship
The deadline has passed, please check back in the Spring.
UFCW Scholarship Program
For more information, and to find out if you are eligible, please visit: ufcwcharityfoundation.org/scholarship/
Applications for the 2024 scholarship are now Closed. Please Check back Spring 2025.
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial Scholarship
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire Memorial offers a scholarship of $6,000 to eligible recipients every year! The organization, which was established to memorialize the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, offers the scholarship to students who is a child or dependent of someone who receives a disability benefit from the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
Applicants must meet the following guidelines:
- Applicants must be a resident of New York State who is enrolled in an accredited program in higher education at a New York State public or private institution;
- Is in good academic standing;
- Demonstrates financial need;
- Is a child/dependent of a parent or guardian who presently receives disability benefit payments pursuant to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law for Permanent Total Disability, Permanent Partial Disability, or Death of a Spouse. Please note: the only acceptable proof for this requirement is an official Decision of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board.
UFCW Free Foreign Language Program
The online classes build on four conversational skills necessary to fully learn a new language: vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture.
UFCW Free Foreign Language Program Quarters:
Spring quarter: April 1 – June 30
Summer quarter: July 1 – September 30
Fall quarter: October 1 – December 31
Winter quarter: January 1 – March 31
Seats in this program are still limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Members can apply to as many quarters as they'd like during the enrollment periods. Please visit ufcw.org/language to view when the next enrollment period is open. There will be no waitlist—please apply as soon as enrollment opens!
GED Program for UFCW Members
Every UFCW member can take GED classes for free.
UFCW members can take General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes for free through Essential GED.
This GED program offers a customized learning plan, so that you’ll be able to successfully prepare yourself to pass the GED test, regardless of when you last went to school.
This program also allows you to study at your own pace – all classes are self-guided and can be completed from your phone or tablet.
If you are interested in using this benefit, please complete and submit the form on this page. It may take a few days to verify your UFCW membership. However, once confirmed, you’ll receive an email that explains how to login and begin taking free online GED classes.
At this time, this benefit is only available to UFCW members and retirees.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the UFCW education helpdesk at
UFCW Discounted College Benefit
As a member of Local 338, you and your dependents are eligible for the UFCW's new discounted college benefit! This program replaces the previous free college program offered by the UFCW and gives members access to a wide range of programs and fields of study allowing members to pursue associate, bachelors and masters degrees.
Classes are online and members can pursue full or part time studies at a discounted rate of 30 to 50%. The new program is through EBS Union College Benefit and EDVANCE, and these organizations will help match you to programs that best suit your field of interest. There are several fields of study available, including business, education, health, and more.
Here's how it works:
- Visit the UFCW Discounted College Benefit website to learn about everything available through the program: https://www.ufcw.org/ufcw-discount-college-program/
- Fill out match forms with BOTH EBS Union College Benefit and EDVANCE to see the full selection of schools and programs available to you.
- Admissions counselors at the schools you match with will work with you to confirm you meet their admission requirements and guide with you through the paperwork.
If you have additional questions about the program, please contact Caroline Leddy at
Union Plus Bachelor's Degree Completion Program
Class enrollment occurs on a rolling basis so check the link below for updates on when they begin. Click Here to sign up today!
Local 338 Scholarship at Suffolk County Community College
Applications are now closed. Please check back for the next opportunity to apply.
*Please note that these scholarships are granted by the Suffolk Community College Foundation.*
Local 338 Scholarship at Nassau Community College
Applications are now closed. Please check back for the next opportunity to apply.
Union Plus Scholarship Award
Applications for the 2024 scholarship are now open. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2024
Note that when creating your free Union Plus account, you must select the following options:
1. Under Union - "RWDSU (Retail Workers)"
2. Under Local Name - "Local 338"
3. Then select whether you are a "Union Member" or "Dependent."
Island Federal Credit Union Scholarship
The deadline to apply has passed. Please check back later this year for when the next scholarship opens.
*Note that this scholarship requires applicants to have an account with Island Federal Credit Union, as well as live and/or work in Nassau or Suffolk Counties.*
LIM College
Students will have access to required internships, collaborative industry projects, networking opportunities, career workshops, and recruiting events, as well as incredible access to alumni, industry partners, and professional networks.
In addition to scholarships and discounted tuition for all LIM degree programs, all application fees will be waived for Local 338 partnership applicants. LIM College also has a generous transfer policy for credits earned at other colleges and universities.
For more information on programs, application requirements, and scholarship guidelines contact