I am pleased to introduce you to a new Free College Benefit for all the members of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO As you know, The Rhode Island AFL-CIO (RI AFL-CIO) has always supported Education for our members and their families.
Today, we are introducing a way for RI AFL-CIO members to work towards obtaining a college degree for free! We have partnered with Eastern Gateway Community College to offer you this great opportunity. Eastern Gateway Community College is a public, non-profit, regionally accredited school that offers working men and women a path towards obtaining an associate degree in one of variety of available programs.
All course work is done online and there is no out of pocket cost to you for tuition, fees, or books. The RI AFL-CIO Free College Benefit combines PELL or other federal grants with employer reimbursement, then covers any remaining costs for your tuition, fees, and online books. All students must complete the federal financial aid application, but even if you are not eligible for any federal or employer grants, there is absolutely no cost to the member, and you will never be asked to take out any loans. Perhaps best of all is that the RI AFL-CIO Free College Benefit is available to you, your spouse, your children, grandchildren, stepchildren, step-grandchildren, parents, siblings, sons and daughters’ in-laws as well as financial dependents.
Over half of all college students choose community college to begin their higher education. The courses offered are regionally accredited and transferable and the college will work with your Institute to ensure that any previous college work or relevant work or military experience counts towards your degree.
A very important aspect of this benefit is the support you will receive. When you call, you are assigned a staff member who will guide you through the process of applying and assist you in signing up for your courses. Everyone at Eastern Gateway Community College is focused on helping RI AFL-CIO members to achieve their personal education goals on your schedule and at your own pace.
I urge you to take advantage of this exciting new benefit. Call the RI AFL-CIO Free College hotline at 888-590-9909 or log on to FreeCollege.RIAFL-CIO.org to find out more.
Yours Truly in Solidarity,

President
Rhode Island AFL-CIO