Frequently Asked Questions

Use the quick links below to learn more about each benefit.

Training Fund
Training Program
Partner Programs
Individual Grant
Group Grant
Annual Scholarship

Training Fund

    • The 509 Public Sector Training Fund provides training and professional development to members of SEIU Local 509 who are members of the Commonwealth Bargaining Units 8 and 10. We provide live virtual and in-person training, self-paced training resources, scholarships, and training grants for individuals and groups of workers.

    • All members of Bargaining Units 8 and 10 of SEIU Local 509 are eligible to participate in the 509 Public Sector Training Fund programs from the first day of their employment. Eligibility for programs is verified with SEIU Local 509. For more information, please contact us.

    • There is no cost to workers to participate in any of the Training Fund programs. In fact, the Training Fund can provide financial assistance to workers to access training or professional development opportunities.

    • No. Members will not have to take personal time off for programs provided through the training program. Please follow the guidelines of your agency for requesting time for professional development or training.

Training Program

    • There are no costs associated with these training sessions. All offerings are free to SEIU Local 509 Public Sector state workers.

    • No. Members will not have to take personal time off for these training sessions. Please follow the guidelines of your agency for requesting time for professional development or training.

    • It is always advisable to check in with your supervisor when planning to attend training. You may sign up for training in advance. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please let us know by contacting us.

    • Email confirmations will be sent by the end of the business day. If you register after 4 p.m. Eastern Time or on a weekend day, you will receive confirmation by the end of the following business day.

    • Yes, all of the details needed for each session are contained within the confirmation. Please note that you may receive additional information from the training provider ahead of the training session.

    • Yes, you can register for more than one course at a time. Please note that many of these courses will repeat as the training series continues, so we encourage you to spread out your participation over time. Spreading out participation will allow the most members to participate at one time.

  • You must attend a minimum of 80% of a training in order to earn a certificate. Certificates are issued within two weeks after completion of a training and are sent to the email address you use for registration. Certificates include the training title, name of the trainer, and hours completed. For more information, contact our team at info@509training.org.

Partner Programs

    • No. All offerings are free to SEIU Local 509 Public Sector state workers.

    • Yes. Both PESI and Bridgewell’s Center for Professional Development offer continuing education credits. Please check their websites for more information about earning credits.

    • Yes. The PESI app on iOS or Android puts clinical training in the palm of your hand. Download the Pesi App for Apple or Android.

Individual Grant

    • All members of Bargaining Units 8 and 10 of SEIU Local 509 are eligible to participate in the 509 Public Sector Training Fund programs from the first day of their employment. Eligibility for programs is verified with SEIU Local 509. For more information, please contact us.

    • Click here to access the online application.

    • If you have any questions, please contact us.

  • Expenses incurred for professional trainings, conferences, exams, license fees, and professional memberships are examples of what can qualify for an individual grant.

    Individual grants cannot be used for degree programs, such as an undergraduate program or graduate program. For funding support for degree programs, please visit our Scholarships page.

    • Yes. You’re welcome to review the grant guidelines here. Please provide proof of payment and attendance/completion with your application. If you have any questions, please contact us.

    • Yes. You’re welcome to review the grant guidelines here. Please make sure to submit your application and supporting documentation at least 60 days before the date of the event.

    • For reimbursements, you will receive a reimbursement check within 45 days of receipt of your completed application. For sponsorships, make sure to submit your application and supporting documentation at least 60 days before the date of the event. If you are unable to attend, you will be responsible for the cost of the event.

Group Grant

    • All members of Bargaining Units 8 and 10 of SEIU Local 509 are eligible to participate in the 509 Public Sector Training Fund programs from the first day of their employment. Eligibility for programs is verified with SEIU Local 509. For more information, please contact us.

    • All Group Training Grant applications should be submitted by the 15th of each month. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the approval process.

Annual Scholarships

    • Eligible applicants must be a member of the collective bargaining units covered by the collective bargaining agreement between SEIU Local 509 and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or a dependent of such members.

    • Applicants must not be a full-time officer of SEIU Local 509 or a dependent of such an officer.

    • Trustees of the Fund and their dependents are ineligible for scholarships from this Fund.

    • No member or dependent may be awarded more than one SEIU Local 509 - Commonwealth Human Service Workers and Educators Training and Professional Development Fund scholarship per lifetime.

    • Dependents are defined as children of the member or children under direct care of the member, such as a grandchild or foster child.

    • Members must be accepted for enrollment in a trade, undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program to begin in the Fall 2026 term or currently enrolled in a trade, undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program.

    • Dependents must be high school seniors accepted for enrollment in undergraduate studies at an accredited educational institution to begin in the Fall 2026 term or currently enrolled in a trade or undergraduate program at an accredited educational institution.

    • You can only apply during the application window.

    • Apply by filling out the short online application for yourself and/or for any dependent who will be enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

    • Review details and information related to the annual scholarship here.

    • Each individual scholarship award totals $5,000 per calendar year.

    • The awards will be distributed directly to the educational institution.

    • Winners will be selected at random from the pool of qualified applicants. The drawing for 2026 scholarship awards will take place in May 2026.

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