The UIC United Faculty FAST Fund is a union-administered fund to help UIC undergraduates cover costs necessary for them to complete their education. A joint project between our parent union, the American Federation of Teachers, and the non-profit Believe in Students, the FAST Fund allows faculty unions to quickly give out small grants to help students cover costs like childcare, rent, car repair, medical expenses, licensure fees, or anything else that will help support their education.
If you have any questions at all, please contact UICUF Organizer Jeff Edwards (UICUFJeff@gmail.com).
What is Believe in Students?
Believe in Students is a national nonprofit organization that, through impactful programs and partnerships, supports college students who are experiencing basic needs challenges (like food insecurity, housing instability, or other unexpected emergencies) so they can remain enrolled and ultimately complete their degree. Believe in Students also manages the Great Lakes FAST Fund Consortium, which is the umbrella under which this internship opportunity is offered.
What is the Great Lakes FAST Fund Consortium?
It’s a partnership between Believe in Students and a group of colleges and local teachers unions across Illinois and Wisconsin, working together to support and address students' basic needs through emergency aid, education and awareness, and advocacy-based solutions.
What is the Changemakers Program?
The Changemakers program is a paid leadership development and service opportunity for undergraduate students to support their peers facing basic needs challenges. It is the student component of the Great Lakes FAST Fund Consortium.
Participants will receive training provided by Believe in Students, complete peer-to-peer outreach efforts on campus, connect students to emergency aid like the FAST Fund, and work with a Site Lead on campus advocacy initiatives that promote long-term change.
It’s a chance to serve, lead, and make a real impact in your campus community.