Unlocking Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF)

The Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) is a beacon of hope for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeking to improve their self-reliance through education and skills development. This article delves into the intricacies of the PEF program, outlining its purpose, eligibility requirements, application process, and potential benefits.

What is the Perpetual Education Fund?

The Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) is a unique initiative funded by donations from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These non-tithing donations are used to provide financial assistance to qualifying members pursuing approved educational programs in their local areas. The PEF operates on the principle of providing "cost-effective financial aid for education, such as low-cost student loans," empowering individuals to gain valuable skills and become self-reliant.

Who Can Benefit from the PEF Program?

The PEF program is designed to assist Church members who are unemployed, underemployed, or in need of better employment opportunities to adequately provide for themselves and their families. Consider these examples of individuals who might find the PEF program beneficial:

A single mother striving to provide for her children's needs.
A middle-aged father who has experienced job loss and seeks to update his skills for new employment prospects.
A young single adult struggling to meet their financial obligations.
A recently returned missionary seeking better employment to prepare for future family responsibilities.
A young father working multiple jobs or extended hours to support his family.

If you don’t qualify for a PEF loan or determine the program is not right for you, the Church offers other resources that can help you obtain education and reach self-reliance. One of these resources is BYU-Pathway Worldwide, which provides access to affordable online learning and is available in more than 180 countries.

Why Choose a PEF Loan?

Opting for a PEF loan can be a transformative decision. The program offers several key advantages:

Education in Your Native Country and Language: PEF enables you to pursue education and training within your own country and language, eliminating the challenges of adapting to a new environment.
Skills Aligned with Local Demand: The program focuses on providing financial support for educational training that equips you with skills that are in demand within your local job market.
Enhanced Self-Reliance: By acquiring in-demand skills, you become more self-reliant, which translates to an improved ability to provide for your family, actively serve in the Church, and contribute meaningfully to your community.
Reduced Financial Burden: The PEF program reduces the burden of financing your education by providing loans with little to no interest, a portion as a scholarship, and a discount on the loan.
New Employment Opportunities: The PEF program unlocks new employment opportunities by providing financial support for a variety of approved educational training.
Achievable Financial Goals: The PEF program puts personal financial goals and self-reliance within reach by giving you a path to improve your skills.
Spiritual Growth: The PEF program strengthens your relationship with Jesus Christ by improving your temporal circumstances.

The PEF program is designed to remove barriers to self-reliance and give hope to those in need.

Determining Your Eligibility for a PEF Loan

To qualify for a PEF loan, you must meet specific requirements:

Temple Recommend: You must hold a current temple recommend, signifying your commitment to living the principles of the Church.
Need for Better Employment: You must demonstrate a need for better employment to adequately provide for yourself and your family.
Financial Constraints: You must be unable to afford the tuition or other expenses required to acquire better skills that will lead to improved employment prospects.
Location in Approved Country: You must reside in a country where the PEF program is currently active. (Refer to the FAQ, “Is PEF available in my country?”)
Commitment to Success and Repayment: You must be determined to successfully complete your education, secure employment or start a business that fosters self-reliance, and repay any borrowed funds.
Institute Participation (Ages 18-30): Note: If you are single between the ages of 18 and 30, you will also be asked to participate in institute while studying using a PEF loan.

Your eligibility and commitment to these principles will be discussed during a meeting with your bishop as part of the application process.

Approved Educational Programs

The Perpetual Education Fund extends financial support to a diverse range of approved educational training programs that focus on skills in local demand. These include:

Technical and vocational programs
Professional programs and certifications
University degrees, for skills in high local demand

To determine the specific educational programs approved in your country, access the Approved List through the PEF portal using your ChurchofJesusChrist.org account.

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Navigating the PEF Application Process

Applying for PEF financial aid involves a structured, step-by-step process:

Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the qualifications for PEF financial aid.
Complete Required Self-Reliance Courses: Complete one of the following courses: Education for Better Work, Starting and Growing a Business, Find a Better Job, Personal Finances, Pathway Connect Life Skills 101 (English only).
Complete the PEF Course: Complete the course Perpetual Education Fund for Self-Reliance.
Obtain Bishop Endorsement: Receive a PEF endorsement from your bishop or branch president, signifying their support for your educational goals.
Complete Online Application: Complete the online application, providing all necessary information and documentation.

During the application process, you will:

Verify completion of the required self-reliance courses.
Upload required documents.
Select an approved educational program and verify enrollment.
Enter the amount of financial aid you will need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the program right for everyone?

While the PEF program is a valuable resource for many, it may not be suitable for everyone. Before applying, carefully consider the following questions:

Am I already self-reliant?
Do I have sufficient funds to provide for myself and my family?
Do I need better work and better pay now?
Do local jobs require a certificate, degree, or diploma from an accredited institution in my area or country?
Will I earn more money after completing an educational program?
How will I make time to complete an educational program?
How will I provide for myself and my family while completing an educational program?
Who can help me make the best decisions and encourage me as I am studying?
Are the employment and educational paths I am interested in approved under the PEF program?
Will I be determined to repay any loans I have received?

Your decision to pursue PEF financial aid will depend on the answers to questions like these. We encourage you to discuss your considerations with Heavenly Father, family members, and Church leaders.

Is PEF available in my country?

The PEF program is specifically designed for members living in an approved country. The program is currently available in the following countries:

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Albania, American Samoa, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, DR Congo, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Samoa, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Suriname, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Because the list of available countries is subject to change, it is best to confirm through the PEF portal. You can access the PEF portal using your ChurchofJesusChrist.org account. If PEF is not available in your country, you will see a message alerting you.

How can I use PEF financial aid?

You can use PEF financial aid to pay for the costs required to complete an approved educational program. These costs include:

Tuition
Supplies
Books
Certifications
Transportation
Housing
Equipment
Computers
Exams

Am I expected to pay back my loan?

Most often, PEF financial aid will be a student loan. Although a PEF loan must be repaid, it is possible that a portion of the amount will be given as a scholarship that will not have to be repaid.

Additionally, loan discounts (formerly called incentives) will be offered for those that graduate and provide proof of graduation or their employment or business after they graduate. The discount may be up to 30 percent off what is borrowed.

PEF financial aid provides an affordable option for those seeking skills locally in-demand. In cases where interest is charged on a PEF loan, the interest rates are very low. If repayment of your loan ever becomes a burden, we have options and adjustments available to help you.

Why might I be required to pay back my loan?

When President Gordon B. Hinckley introduced the Perpetual Education Fund, he said that those who repay their PEF loans “will enjoy a wonderful sense of freedom because they have improved their lives…through borrowing and then repaying. They can hold their heads high in a spirit of independence” (“The Perpetual Education Fund,” Ensign, May 2001, 53).

These and other great blessings are promised to those who faithfully use PEF financial aid to gain valuable skills and then, in gratitude, repay any loans. Repaying borrowed funds provides other members with the opportunity to become self-reliant through education.

How do I access the PEF portal?

Answers to additional FAQs can be found in the PEF portal. If you have other questions that are not answered there, contact us through the portal.

The Role of Church Leaders

Church leaders play a crucial role in supporting the PEF program and its participants. As a leader in the Church, you can:

Increase Awareness: Many members who need help paying for their education are not aware that PEF funds are available. Awareness can be a beacon of hope for many.
Recommend Individuals: You may be able to identify individuals who could benefit from this program. Look for those who are committed to improving their situations but lack the resources to pursue further education.
Review Progress and Offer Support: Keeping track of members’ progress and staying engaged with them is vital. This not only helps ensure they are moving forward but also allows you to offer necessary support or intervention if they face obstacles.
Assist with Employment or Business Startup: The next significant step for participants who complete their education is to find a job or start a business. You can recommend ward, stake, and community resources.

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