Employees and Alumni Association of the National Park Service

E&AA Education Trust Fund Change Honors Hartzog

     In June,2002 the Employees and Alumni Association of the NPS announced the following changes to the Education Trust Fund. The loan program is now named The George B. Hartzog, Jr. Educational Loan Program, in honor of the former NPS Director and long-time E&AA member. 

According to E&AA Chair George Minnucci, “George Hartzog has been a leader in the E&AA for many years, and we are pleased to recognize his efforts in this small way.” Hartzog is an E&AA life member and believes that the trust fund provides a valuable benefit to many NPS families.

     In an effort to make the program more appealing and to encourage broader use of the program, the trustees now permit applicants to apply for interest-free loans of $2,500 per year for four years; ultimately providing $10,000 of interest-free aid to each student. This was previously limited to $5,000 per child. With these changes families can now have up to $20,000 in loans; previously this was limited to $10,000 per family.

     Additionally, the loans no longer have to be paid back in one lump sum 13 months after graduation. Loans can be paid back on a monthly payment plan starting with the 13th month after graduation and continuing for 60 months. Trustee and E&AA Secretary/Treasurer Jim Draper explained that, “this allows students a greater flexibility in repayment terms, providing additional support to them as they enter the workforce. We found that a balloon payment one year out of school was not realistic for many. We want the program to be as beneficial as possible for our members and their families.”

     Loans support undergraduate work and have helped students attend a variety of schools. The loan can cover tuition, room and board, books and supplies.

     E&AA President Chesley Moroz stated, “Given the high cost of college tuition, these changes will provide additional support to NPS families. This program is only possible given the dedicated support of the greater NPS family. Cash donations, gifts of remembrance and silent auction proceeds have helped build the trust fund over the years to allow us to make these changes. We thank the NPS family for their support.”

     For more information contact Bonnie Stetson, E&AA membership coordinator at (215) 283-6900 ext. 131.

 

The George B. Hartzog, Jr. Educational Loan Program 

       This education loan program  loan program was established in 1974 to offer interest-free loans to dependent children of E&AA members. We offer the same loans to grandchildren of E&AA members. In June 2002, the loan program was named The George B. Hartzog, Jr. Educational Loan Program, in honor of the former NPS Director and long-time E&AA member. The maximum loan amounts are $2,500 per year for up to four years, $10,000 maximum per child, $20,000 max per family.
 
        In addition, members are eligible to take loans of up to $1,000 for education which are due in full six-months afterpayment.
 
       Applications and transcripts for dependent children/grandchildren must be in our office by March 1 of each year. (July 1 or November 1 for members). Loans for dependent children/grandchildren approved after April 2002, can be paid back on a monthly payment plan, starting the 13th month after graduation, and continuing for 60 months (5 years).
 
      Call Bonnie Stetson, E&AA Membership Coordinator at (215) 283-6900 x.131 for a loan application or for questions about the program. Click here to print the forms for MEMBERS or DEPENDENTS. You will need Acrobat Reader to view these forms. Please fill out these forms and send them to: E&AA, The George B. Hartzog, Jr. Educational Loan Program, 470 Maryland Dr., Suite 1, Fort Washington, PA 19034.