November: Union News and Events Update

DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN

Introducing Judi Rx: An Enhanced Prescription Benefit

Before January 1, 2027, check your mail for important updates about your new DC 37 & Judi Rx prescription drug benefit.

In November, please read your DC 37 Health & Security Plan Benefits Newsletter with helpful FAQs.

In December, you will receive a DC 37 & Judi Rx Welcome Packet containing your new Prescription Drug identification card.

Keep your new Judi Rx ID card in a safe place and start using it on January 1, 2027. Continue to use your current OptumRx card through December 31, 2026.

We are working to make this transition seamless and easy for you.

The support you count on today from the DC 37 Health & Security Plan will continue and Judi Rx will build on it with enhancements through technology and innovation.

Personal Service Unit: Effective Communication

There are four different types of Communication styles. Identifying which one you tend to use can help you improve how you communicate with others in the workplace.

1. Assertive Style: Assertive communicators express their views clearly and respect the boundaries of others. They focus on resolving issues rather than assigning blame.

Examples: “I see it this way, but I want to hear your perspective,” or “I cannot take on extra work right now, but we can reprioritize our current list.”

2. Passive Style: Passive communicators tend to avoid conflict. They struggle to share their thoughts and often agree in meetings even when they disagree privately.

Examples: “I don’t mind either way,” or “Whatever the team decides is fine by me.”

3. Aggressive Style: Aggressive communicators dominate discussions and push their own agenda. They often interrupt others and treat differing opinions as a personal challenge.

Examples: “We are doing it my way,” or “That idea won’t work; listen to me.”

4. Passive-Aggressive Style: Passive-aggressive communicators hide their negative feelings behind indirect actions or sarcasm. Their words show agreement, but their behavior shows resistance.

Examples: “Fine, I’ll just do it all myself,” or “I’m happy to help, though I’m not sure why this keeps falling on me.”

The Personal Service Unit of DC 37 is here to support you. To speak with a Licensed Social Worker for confidential therapy or referrals, please call 212-815-1250 between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for an assessment.

EMBLEM HEALTH

Fall Transfer Period Begins Nov. 1: Learn More About Emblemhealth’s HIP HMO Preferred Plan

As the fall transfer period approaches, DC 37 members and their families are encouraged to review their health coverage and ensure it still meets their needs.

For members considering their options, the EmblemHealth HIP HMO Preferred plan offers nationwide access to care through a broad network of 1 million-plus doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers, plus one of the deepest networks in the New York metro area. Top local hospitals include Hospital for Special Surgery and Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan, Northwell Health on Long Island, New York-Presbyterian, and more. The plan is part of EmblemHealth’s portfolio of City health benefit options available to eligible employees and their families.

Members are encouraged to attend open enrollment meetings, review official plan materials, and ask questions before making coverage decisions. Taking time to understand your options can help ensure you select the coverage that best supports your and your family’s healthcare needs.

For more information about the HIP HMO Preferred plan from EmblemHealth, click HERE.

MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES (MELS)

Coming Changes to Student Loan Repayment Plans

By way of the Trump Administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, numerous changes were implemented on July 1, 2026.

The New Repayment Plans

For new, first-time borrowers as of July 1, 2026, traditional plans for repayment (non-income-based repayment plans) were replaced with a new version of the “Standard” repayment plan.
For new, first-time borrowers as of July 1, 2026, the Income-Driven Repayment plans (IDR’s) were replaced with a new income-driven repayment plan called RAP.
For new, first-time borrowers as of July 1, 2026, the new Standard Plan and RAP will be the only options for repayment of student loans.
Borrowers with student loans taken prior to July 1, 2026 (“old borrowers”), will still generally have access to the original repayment options, with some caveats.

SAVE Borrowers with Loans at Present

The SAVE student loan repayment plan was struck down by the Court. “Old Borrowers” who were/are on SAVE must select one of the remaining repayment plans. Failure to do so promptly will cause your loans to accrue interest and put them at risk of default.
Borrowers can apply to switch repayment plans online at www.StudentAid.gov.
BORROWERS SEEKING PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS MUST SELECT ONE OF THE INCOME DRIVEN REPAYMENT PLANS.

Borrowers with Parent Plus Loans

“Old Borrowers” with consolidated Parent Plus loans who were in repayment prior to July 1, 2026, and on the Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan, and who have actually made a payment, can now apply for the Income Based Repayment (IBR) plan, which should result in a lower monthly payment. Previously, IBR was not available to Parent Plus loan borrowers.
Borrowers in this situation should consider switching to the IBR plan quickly. On July 1, 2028, the ICR plan will sunset and Parent Plus Borrowers who have not switched to IBR will lose eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, no matter how many payments toward the required 120 payments have been made.
Borrowers with Parent Plus loans who did not consolidate them prior to July 1, 2026, and select the Income Contingent Repayment can no longer do so to become eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

ALERT: “Old Borrowers” With Loans in Repayment taken prior to July 1, 2026, who took or will take, additional Loans on or after July 1, 2026, READ CAREFULLY:

Borrowers with loans currently in repayment on income-driven repayment plans or the traditional plans who took or will take additional loans after June 30, 2026, will lose all access to the older plans, even if the borrowers’ prior loans were already enrolled in any of those plans. The loans will be disenrolled, and borrowers will have to select RAP or New Tiered Standard to repay all their student loans.
Parent Plus borrowers with consolidated loans who are on ICR or IBR who took or take additional federal student loans of any sort will lose the option of Public Service loan forgiveness. The prior loans will be dis-enrolled from the ICR and/or IBR plans, the possibility of PSLF will be forfeited, regardless of the number of payments made toward PSLF, and the loans will have to be repaid on the new Tiered Standard repayment plan only. RAP is not available to Parent Plus borrowers.

A Word on Consolidation

In the past, consolidation had many benefits. In some cases, loans had to be consolidated to access benefits. For borrowers with “old loans”, meaning loans taken prior to July 1, 2026, that have not been consolidated, and who have retained access to the older repayment plans, be warned. If you consolidate now, your new consolidated loan will issue after July 1, 2026, so you will lose the old plans and have access only to Tiered Standard and RAP.

Losing access to the old repayment plans for many borrowers means losing access to more affordable payment plans.

For members in need of assistance with their loans, you may call DSC 37 MELS screening and intake unit to request to speak with an attorney at 212-815-1111.

DEPARTMENT OF CITYWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Free for City Workers: Summer Premium Student Debt Tool

City of New York employees can now receive expert student loan and college planning support at no cost through an official city partnership with Summer.

How Summer Supports You:

Eligibility Check: See if you qualify for income-driven repayment (IDR) plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Repayment Strategy: Receive personalized recommendations to lower your payments and total loan cost
Application Assistance: Submit your IDR and PSLF applications through Summer’s platform with expert review
Expert Guidance: Get help from Summer’s student loan experts by live chat, email, or 1:1 consultations
Stay Updated: Get alerts about policy changes and any required action

Create your account at meetsummer.com/nyc in minutes using your City work email address. Questions? Contact student loan experts through your Summer account or your agency’s HR department.

Join the next live webinar for City employees on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. Register HERE.

We’ll walk through it all: changing repayment options, forgiveness, urgent action items, and even submitting your first paperwork to get Public Service Loan Forgiveness in real time. Bring your questions; Summer has the answers!

DC 37 SAFETY & HEALTH DEPARTMENT

What to know about Legionnaires Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by a bacterium called Legionella. People contract Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in small water droplets that contain Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

How does a person get Legionnaires’ disease?

A person must be exposed to water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This exposure may happen by inhaling or drinking contaminated water. Legionella bacteria can exist and grow in many places. Known sources include cooling towers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, showers, humidifiers and misters, pipes, and drinking water. Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Additional symptoms include headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, or diarrhea. The incubation period is 2 to 10 days.

Who’s at risk?

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician immediately. At-risk people include those aged 50 and above, current or former smokers, those with underlying medical conditions such as lung disease, COPD, weakened immune systems, or taking medications that weaken the immune system.

Can Legionnaires’ disease be prevented?

Yes. The best way to prevent it is to avoid water conditions that allow the organism to grow to high levels. Preventive steps include:

Water temperature control: Store hot water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to kill the Legionella bacteria.
Hot Water Delivery: Ensure hot water is delivered at a minimum of 122 degrees to prevent Legionella bacteria growth in the plumbing.
Cold Water: Keep cold water below the Legionella growth range (77-113 degrees).
Stagnation: Avoid stagnant water, as it allows Legionella to multiply and can lower disinfectant levels.
Monitor Conditions: Monitor the temperature, disinfectant residuals, and pH of building water, and identify areas where water moves slowly.
Promptly Address Issues: Promptly addressing any identified issues can help reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread within a building’s water system.

Legionnaires’ Disease Is Serious, but Can Be Treated

Doctors treat Legionnaires’ disease with antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria in the body). Most people who get sick need hospital care but recover fully. Seek professional medical help if you suspect Legionella infection.

Protect Yourself from Measles

Measles remains a highly contagious but preventable disease, and adults in New York City should ensure they have two valid doses of MMR vaccine or provide documented immunity.

As of October of this year, there are 4,410 confirmed measles cases nationwide, with 96% associated with the recent outbreak. New York City has 7 confirmed cases. Adults over the age of 20 are at higher risk for severe complications.

What Measles Is

A highly contagious respiratory virus; up to 90% of unvaccinated contacts can get infected.
Spreads via airborne droplets; contagious from 4 days before to 4 days after rash onset.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, rash; complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, miscarriage, preterm birth.

Who Is at Risk?

Adults without proof of immunity (no 2 valid MMR doses, no lab proof, not born before 1957).
Adults with weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women are at risk.

Prevention and Protection

Two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective.
Adults should have at least one dose, but for full protection, the CDC and NYC recommend two doses.
Immunity should also be confirmed by a lab test or by the patient’s birth year (before 1957).
Vaccinations are available at NYC Health Department clinics and pharmacies. If you don’t have a provider, call 311 for information.

NYC & NY State Guidance

NYC Health Department: Ensure all adults are up to date with MMR and check the NYC Immunization Registry for records.
NY State Department of Health: On October 5, Governor Hochul signed an executive order declaring a Disaster Emergency for measles, expanding vaccine access and allowing nurses to order testing.
For questions, please call the NYC Health Department at 311 or the NY State DOH at 866-881-2809.

DC 37 CHILD CARE TRUST

Have you claimed your child care reimbursement?Applications and instructions are available on the DC 37 website. Eligible members are covered by the 2021-2026 Citywide Economic Contract.

DC 37 EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

MEHP First Time Homebuyers Workshop

MEHP is excited to present a First Time Homebuyer’s Workshop. Discover the details of the mortgage process, explore special programs and grants created for first-time buyers, and gain expert guidance from housing specialists. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to confidently take the next step toward owning your home.

Saturday, November 7, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, November 21, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

MCU First Time Homebuyer Workshop

Are you thinking of buying your first home but don’t know where to begin? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is pleased to announce the MCU First Time Homebuyer Workshop. Join us as we discuss the mortgage process. We would like to assist you on your journey to homeownership. We will cover pre-approvals, debt-to-income ratios, PMI, FHA loans, Conventional Loans, and much more. We will have a Question and Answer session after the presentation. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION

Law Enforcement at Poll Sites

Residents should be confident their ballot will be counted, no matter how they choose to vote.

The New York State Attorney General’s office has provided an Election Protection Hotline at 866-390-2992 to help voters resolve problems until Nov. 4.

It is a federal crime to order or keep troops, military personnel, or armed federal officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, at a poll site. In addition, military members may not use force, threats, or intimidation to stop anyone from voting, and government officials may not use their authority to interfere in a federal election.

New York law also prohibits local governments and their employees from granting immigration enforcement officers access to a polling location in violation of these protections, unless they present a valid judicial warrant or court order.

Become a Political Volunteer Member Organizer (VMO)

Help us get out the vote to our fellow DC 37 members! To learn more, please contact the Political Action Department at 212-815-1550 or email PoliticalAction@DC37.net. To sign up, click HERE.

Support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

There’s a lot on the line this year for working people. The results of the 2026 congressional elections will determine the fate of workers and communities across the nation. In addition to our work to get pro-worker candidates into office, DC 37 is fighting for reforms to the Tier 6 pension system, fair funding for city and state agencies, and a host of other crucial issues.

Your support for the PEOPLE Program will help us elect leaders who will fight for workers’ rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying on member issues, directly supporting pro-workers candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from funding with dues money. Join PEOPLE in the DC 37 Member Portal or HERE!

DC 37 Political Action Committee

DC 37’s monthly Political Action Committee (PAC) meetings are a resource for members and retirees to learn more about the issues we are advocating for at City Hall and in Albany. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month. Our PAC Chair is Donald Nesbit, DC 37 Executive Board Member and Local 372 Executive Vice President. Please join us for our next PAC Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. at DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay Street. Our special guest will be New York City Council Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams of the 27th Council District in Queens.

RSVP HERE.

If you are interested in learning more about DC 37 Political Action or have questions, please contact us at politicalaction@dc37.net or 212-815-1550.

DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE

Please join the DC 37 Housing Committee’s virtual meeting on Monday, November 2, at 6 p.m. Housing Committee Chair Juliet White, President of Local 154, will discuss housing issues, resources, and upcoming events. You must register to attend. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:50 p.m., and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Climate Justice Committee will be meeting the first Monday of every month. Pease note this change, as it was originally the first Tuesday of the month. Therefore, the Committee will be meeting virtually on Monday, November 2, at 6 p.m.

AI, Data Centers and New Technologies: Climate as a Workplace Issue

From AI in our workplaces to data centers in our communities, this panel explores how workers and unions can organize to confront the climate and environmental impacts of new technologies.

Please join the DC 37 Climate Justice Committee on Thursday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 1 at DC 37 Headquarters for an evening of discussion, organizing, and strategy-building around the impact of new technologies and what we can do collectively to protect workers and the communities we serve.

Thursday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

Apply For Fall 2026 Ed Fund Classes Using the New Ed Fund Academy Learning Management System

The DC 37 Education Fund is proud to launch the Ed Fund Academy, a new learning management system that functions as a centralized learning platform for the courses and programs offered by the DC 37 Education Fund. This platform conveniently allows eligible members to see available programs, classes they are enrolled in, and their progress in those classes.

Access to the Ed Fund Academy is available online, and you may sign up HERE or through the dedicated ‘Go.Learn’ mobile app accessible on Google Play and the App Store. Note that you must create your account online first before you can access the platform using mobile apps. Additionally, your username on the platform must be your first and last name.

To help you navigate the new platform, check out Frequently Asked Questions, tutorial videos, and step-by-step guides HERE.

All students wishing to take classes with the Education Fund must first register with the new learning management system by clicking HERE and selecting Register. New accounts take approximately 24-28 hours to be verified, so sign up today!

Note on eligibility: While all DC 37 members may register for the Ed Fund Academy, members of SSEU Local 371 and the Non-Profit/Private Sector locals are not eligible for DC 37 Education Fund benefits except for the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy.

Registration For the Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy Is Now Open

Embark on a 10-week journey of empowerment and growth with our comprehensive leadership training program. Gain valuable insights into gender dynamics, power relationships, and effective leadership strategies. Led by experienced professionals, LRWLA equips women with the skills and confidence to excel in leadership roles. This program begins in March 2027, but space is limited. To register, look for the course under the “Labor Education – Winter 2027” catalog within the DC 37 Ed Fund Academy.

Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

Eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund, as long as they meet the reimbursement requirements. You can also submit tuition reimbursement applications completely online. For more information on the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business with Monroe University

DC 37’s Education Fund, in conjunction with Monroe University, will host an information session on Thursday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m. to review this program, which offers two undergraduate degree programs and covers the cost of one accounting- or business-related course per semester. The two bachelor’s degrees under this program are:

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business

Attend the information session to learn more about the program, transfer credits, and how to get started on your educational journey.

Application Deadline: November 17

Virtual Information Session: November 19 at 6:30 p.m.

To register, please look for the course under the Career Development – Fall 2026 section of the DC 37 Ed Fund Academy.

Do You Need Advisement to Advance in Your Education or Career?

Do you need guidance on selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Register through the DC 37 Ed Fund Academy HERE or email achensee@dc37.net to contact an Education Fund counselor. Look for Career and Educational Counseling – Winter 2027 in the Basic Education Catalog.

COMPTIA & Cisco Certification Programs with CUNY BMCC

CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) Certification Training Program with CUNY BMCC – Winter 2027

DC 37’s Education Fund, in conjunction with CUNY BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College), offers a CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2) certification course to eligible DC 37 members. A+ is an industry-standard certification for entry-level IT professionals that validates foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, troubleshooting, security, and operational procedures. Members ARE required to complete a short questionnaire to determine your candidacy to successfully enroll in this course. To sit for the A+ certification exam as part of this program, members will need to complete assignments/homework and avoid poor attendance (logging in to class late, logging out of class early or not having your webcam turned on).

Online: Mondays through Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., February 1-July 14

Application deadline: January 15

Pre-requisites

CompTIA A+ Virtual Certification: no prerequisite

ISC2 CC + CyberOps Certification Training Program with CUNY BMCC – Winter 2027

DC 37’s Education Fund, in conjunction with Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), offers an ISC2 CC + CyberOps certification course to eligible DC 37 members. ISC2 CC + CyberOps is a virtual cybersecurity training program in collaboration with Cisco CyberOps and ISC2, which prepares students for the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification exam. This program provides hands-on experience and is designed for beginners with basic IT knowledge, leading to roles like Cybersecurity Analyst and SOC Analyst. The course covers networking fundamentals, cybersecurity concepts, threat analysis, and incident response.

Online: Mondays through Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., January 11 – May 6

Application Deadline: December 28

Pre-requisites:

ISC2 CC + CyberOps Certification: H.S. Diploma and skills assessment

To register for either program, look under the Career Development – Winter 2027 section of the DC 37 Ed Fund Academy.

Advanced Certified Coding Program with Monroe University

The DC 37 Education Fund is offering a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Prep course, in conjunction with Monroe University. This is an advanced level course, designed for those who currently work in a medical coding environment and/or already own a CCA certification. Course content areas that will be covered include: Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Health Care Delivery Systems and Regulatory Guidelines, ICD-10 and CPT Coding, Reimbursement Methodology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology and Health Information Management. This course will also include a two-week review session to prepare for the AHIMA certification exam.

Online: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6- 8:30 p.m., January 25 – May 19

Application deadline: January 9

Pre-requisite for Certified Coding Specialist course: Must be one of the following: 1) currently certified as a CCA, 2) currently certified as a CPC, or 3) a member of Local 768 in the title of Medical Records Librarian or Medical Records Specialist. Documentation is required before entry.

Education Fund Computer and Technology Programs

Applications are now available for Winter 2027 computer programs beginning in January. The computer programs are offered for eligible members of DC 37 Education Fund. Free programs include:

Microsoft Word programs with Queens College
Microsoft Excel programs with Hostos Community College, and Queens College
Microsoft Office Certificate program with Hostos Community College
Artificial Intelligence Foundation I program with Laguardia Community College

Please apply via our DC 37 Ed Fund Academy (search within the Decentralized – Winter 2027 catalog) – Seating is limited.

Learn the Skills to Earn Your GED (High School Equivalency) Diploma

The GED exam is back. It is available to NYS residents, age 19 and over. It has four subtests instead of five. The Reading and Writing subtests are combined in a revised subtest: Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA). Passing scores from past GED exams, TASC exams, or NYS Regents exams will be counted as passing one or more subtests. Eligible members can take GED Prep classes in English or Spanish online, hybrid, or in person. To view available classes, please register through the DC 37 Education Fund Academy HERE (look in the Basic Education Catalog) or email ppunch@dc37.net.

Free Community College for New York State Residents

Many Community college programs at both CUNY and SUNY colleges are completely free for adult learners looking to enter high-demand fields. Because no one should choose between financial security and a college education.

CUNY and SUNY Reconnect provide students the opportunity to pursue their career goals and prepare for meaningful, high-demand careers right here in New York State. And the Reconnect programs don’t just cover tuition – they cover the cost of books, fees, and supplies for students, too.

You or a member of your family or community can attend community college for FREE starting next term if you:

Are a resident of New York State or eligible for in-state tuition
Are between the ages of 25-55
Do not currently have a degree
Are planning to study full-time or part-time in one of 175 eligible SUNY associate degree programs or one of 120+ eligible CUNY associate degree programs.
This opportunity is open to anyone who meets the requirements, not just DC 37 members

Members interested in free CUNY community college can apply for an appointment with a CUNY advisor by clicking HERE. If you can’t find a date/time that works for you, email: CUNYDays@slu.cuny.edu.

For more information on CUNY Reconnect, click HERE. For more information on SUNY Reconnect, click HERE.

CUNY Advisement Is Here for You!

Are You a DC 37 Paraprofessional Who Wants to Earn a College Degree For Free?

Local 372 Paraprofessionals can earn 18 credits annually towards a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe University. To begin the process to enroll for the Winter 2027 waitlist, complete an online application with the new Ed Fund Academy platform by creating an account HERE. For questions, email: ppunch@dc37.net. Be sure to look in the Local 372 Specific Training Programs Catalog.

Do You Work in School Food and Want to Earn a College Degree For Free?

Local 372 Members Working in School Food can earn an associate’s degree in Nutrition and Culinary Management through a partnership with LaGuardia Community College. To begin the process to enroll for the Spring 2027 waitlist, complete an online application with the new Ed Fund Academy platform by creating an account HERE. For questions, email: lpicano@dc37.net. Be sure to look in the Local 372 Specific Training Programs Catalog.

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies Offers Leap to Teacher

Advance your education in any field with the LEAP to Teacher Program serving all school and daycare workers. Open the door to your future! LEAP to Teacher (LTT) provides a specialized set of support services designed to empower you to become more effective in your schools and more impactful in your communities. The LTT program can assist you with pursuing your undergraduate or graduate degree in any field of study, from the pre-admission stage through graduation.

For more information, please contact: ltt@slu.cuny.edu, call 646-313-8532 or visit their website.

Union Plus Scholarships for Union Members and Their Families

Union Plus is a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO (of which AFSCME is a member union and which DC 37 is a local affiliate of AFSCME) that provides benefit programs to union members and their families. Union Plus Scholarships help union families cover the cost of college, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. The 2027 Union Plus Scholarship application is currently available with a deadline of January 31, 2027. For more information on this scholarship and to apply, click HERE.

THE DC 37 NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION

Take the Next Step! Earn Your NYS Students with Disabilities Certificate!

📣 Calling all early childhood educators! The next cohort of the DC 37 Early Childhood Inclusion Grant certification program is forming, and we want to hear from you.

Earn your NYS Students with Disabilities (Birth–Grade 2) certification at no cost to you through a program built for DC 37 members. Classes begin in early 2027.

This opportunity pays off. Receiving this certification opens the door to career advancements–vital at a time when students with disabilities need the support and educational opportunities more than ever.

Also, this certification program for DC 37 members is FREE!

You’re eligible to apply if you:

✅ Hold a valid NYS teaching certification

✅ Have at least 1 year of teaching experience at the time of application

We’re gathering interest now — no commitment required.

Raise your hand HERE.

Classes and Workshops for Non-Profit and Private Sector Members

DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Members represented by Locals 95, 205, 215, 253, and 389 are eligible for the following exciting education-related and skills-upgrading opportunities in 2026.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email: SBoard@DC37.NET.

Violence Prevention & Intervention

November 9, from 6-8 p.m. (Monday)

Child Abuse & Maltreatment

November 16, from 6-8:30 p.m. (Monday)

Dignity for All Students ACT (DASA Workshops)
You must attend both workshops.

December 7, from 5-8 p.m. (Monday)
December 9, from 5-8 p.m. (Wednesday)

Computer Skills – Basic and Upgrade (In Person) 125 Barclay Street, 3rd Floor, Manhattan

Intermediate Word Take Your Word Computer Skills to the Next Level!

o November 14-December 12, from 10 a.m-1 p.m. (Saturdays)

CTLE Workshops

Classroom Organization

o November 12, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)

Diversity: How to Embrace & Promote Differences

o December 10, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Thursday)

Classes for Non-Profit and Private Sector Members

Educating All Students (EAS) Prep

Educating All Students (EAS) Prep, November 2-November 23, 6-8 p.m. (Monday)

Early Childhood Programs Professional Learning Opportunity Alert!

The Early Childhood Inclusion Professional Learning Series is a two-day, in-person training now available to any early childhood program with a majority of DC 37 members. It’s designed for all program staff: classroom and family staff, kitchen staff, environmental staff, and leadership alike.

Sessions run a full workday with breakfast and lunch provided, and you may flexibly schedule the two days to fit your program’s calendar. Sign-ups are ongoing — now is a great time to get your program on the list before the new school year begins.

Express your program’s interest HERE.

Local 205 and Local 95 Teachers! Want to be Certified?
Fill out the Survey!

District Council 37 is working to identify opportunities for Non-Profit & Private Sector members who do not currently have a teacher certification. The union has partnered with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies’ LEAP to Teacher Program to identify members eligible for scholarships to attend one of CUNY’s 25 schools.

This survey gathers essential information about your teacher certification status. The information you provide will be kept confidential. Complete the survey HERE.

Opportunity Knocks: Leap Into a Future Career as a Certified Teacher

Are you a DC 37 Daycare worker interested in becoming a certified teacher? Please join the DC 37 Non-Profit Educational Corporation and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies LEAP to Teacher Program for a virtual joint information session on Tuesday, December 8.

Learn about the resources and support available to help advance your education and take the next step in your career.

Topics will include:

An overview of DC 37 Non-Profit Educational Corporation services and updates
The LEAP to Teacher Program’s services and student support, including information on:
College and career services.
College entrance assistance.
Information on how to pay for college
Free Teacher Certification Exam Prep workshops and courses

Interested in attending? Register HERE.

Workplace Needs Survey: Tell Us How We Can Help You

District Council 37 is conducting this survey to understand the staffing, safety, and training needs of our members in the non-profit and private sector. Your responses are confidential and will help us to plan trainings and address safety and health concerns in your workplace. Thank you for taking the time to fill out this survey.

The information you provide will be kept confidential. Complete the survey HERE.

Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to eligible DC 37 members or their dependents:

Educational Incentive Program (EIP): The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) scholarship is awarded based on income and gives up to $2500 per year for college courses and up to $1250 for the CDA. This scholarship is only for classroom personnel.
AFSCME Family Scholarship: Each year, the AFSCME Family Scholarship Program provides $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors, which are renewed for $2,000 each year for a maximum of four years, provided the student remains enrolled in a full-time course of study. The scholarship may be used for any field of study. Questions about this scholarship should be directed to AFSCME.
Union Plus College Program: Through the Union Plus College Program, union members and their families can earn an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree 100% online while minimizing out-of-pocket costs through exclusive union discounts, financial aid, and grants. Questions about this scholarship should be directed to scholarships@unionplus.org.
CUNY and SUNY: Several CUNY and SUNY colleges offer free Associate degree programs in high-demand industries for eligible students. Students may be eligible if they are NY residents, are between the ages of 25-55, and do not already have a college degree. For more information on these programs, call (212) 815-1644.

ACPNY

AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center

Primary care services are available at the DC 37 Health Center, conveniently located at 115 Chambers in downtown Manhattan.

AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center takes a “whole you” approach to care by understanding all the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that impact your health.

ACPNY is open Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call (646) 680-4227.

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Ice or heat: What’s best for your pain?

Ice and heat work differently to treat injuries, and their effects can clue you into which method is most effective for your pain. Ice is best for acute injuries, including bumps, sprains, strains, pulled muscles, and acute joint pain. Heat is best for chronic pain or after swelling has gone down.

Learn from the experts in orthopedics how to safely and effectively use ice or heat to treat your injuries.

Connect with HSS TODAY:

Call: 212.606.1105
Email: HSS4DC37@hss.edu
Visit: HSS.edu/DC37

HSS is here to help DC 37 members and families.

MSK DIRECT

MSK Direct is Recognizing Caregivers This November

Join Linda Mathew, MSK’s licensed social work manager to learn how to best support yourself or the caregivers in your life. Register HERE.

DC 37 partners with MSK Direct to provide employees and their families dedicated access to exceptional cancer care, support, and expert resources from the world’s leading cancer specialists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). If you or a family member are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options at MSK, call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for DC 37 employees: 833-786-3365 or mskcc.org/dc37.