Perpetual Education Fund Expands Opportunities and Makes Education More Affordable

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers education loans through the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF). In 2023, changes were made to the PEF program to make these blessings available to more members. The enhancements included a broader choice of schools and programs, as well as financial options to make loans more affordable.

To help even more members, additional enhancements to the PEF program have been approved, effective November 7, 2024. These include more options for reducing loan balances and support for education-related expenses.

PEF loans have always covered the cost of tuition, fees and books. This coverage has been expanded to include other education-related costs. This additional coverage will allow more members to benefit from additional education and learn high-demand skills.

Eligible participants can reach out to their ward and stake welfare and self-reliance specialist and find more information at PEF.churchofjesuschrist.org.

“We’re excited about these changes to the Perpetual Education Fund and the greater opportunities for education it will help provide,” said Blaine R. Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services. “As members strive to gain education, they become more self-reliant and grow in their capacity to care for those in need.”

Originally established by Church President Gordon B. Hinckley in 2001, PEF has offered financial support to members seeking to increase their opportunities for employment through education.

Since it was announced, the Perpetual Education Fund has helped some 113,000 members in more than 80 countries.

Suany Pacheco of Guatemala is one of the many who have been blessed by this program. Pacheco said obtaining an education once seemed out of reach due to the cost. Things changed when she learned about the Perpetual Education Fund at church.

“It was like a blessing, a light at the end of the darkness, a hope that made my heart feel and confirm that Heavenly Father was listening to me, and that He knew my desire to study and graduate,” she said.

After applying for a PEF loan through her bishop, Pacheco received financial support that aided her until she graduated. She now works in Guatemala as a traffic judge.

Her story is not unique. Many say the skills and education they received through the program have helped them secure better jobs.

Gideon Owusu Prempeh of Ghana is another example. With help from the Perpetual Education Fund, Gideon earned his degree and is continuing to prepare for his dream of working in the medical field.

“I am grateful to the Lord and the Church for instituting the Perpetual Education Fund,” he said. “It has helped me in ways I never imagined were possible to me.”

The Perpetual Education Fund is available to Church members ages 18 and older in approved countries. Prospective recipients can learn more about the Perpetual Education Fund at PEF.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.