Education fund applications sought

Members of the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers (HUCTW) bargaining unit are eligible to apply for the spring 2006 education fund through June 10. Negotiated in 1989 to assist staff with education costs and to promote career development, the fund amounts to $220,000 for this academic year (fall 2005 through summer 2006).

To be eligible for an award, candidates must be part of the HUCTW bargaining unit, and must fit one of the following criteria: 1) The candidate is taking a class outside of Harvard in connection with a job-related certificate or degree program; 2) the candidate is taking a class outside of Harvard in connection with a certificate or degree program that may aid in pursuing a career at Harvard; 3) the candidate is an employee of the Harvard Forest, Concord Field Station, New England Primate Research Center (NEPRC), or Brockton VA taking any type of class at a degree- or certificate-granting institution; or 4) the candidate is requesting funds for professional accreditation, conference fees, auditing, distance learning, or test preparation.

Approved applications will receive 50 percent of the cost of one course. Electronic applications are available at http://www.huctw.org/EdFund/Fall2005Application.pdf.

Paper copies are available at the HUCTW Office, Benefits Office (Holyoke Center 6th floor), Harvard Medical School and School of Public Health human resources offices, and NEPRC.

Completed applications should be sent to HUCTW, 1306 Massachusetts Ave., Room 203, Cambridge, MA 02138. For more information, e-mail edfund@huctw.org.

Additionally, an education fund workshop, titled “How to Make the Most Out of (and Pay the Least for) Your Education While Working at Harvard,” will be offered between noon and 1 p.m. on May 31 in the Longwood Medical Area and June 2 in Cambridge. Space is limited. To reserve a spot and for more information, e-mail edfund@huctw.org.