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Summit Materials Employees: Unlock the Benefits of the Federal Student Grant Program for Your Family's Education

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Most Summit Materials employees have already heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if they or someone they know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, around 70% of families submitted a FAFSA to the Department of Education to secure financial assistance. But what many prospective and current students may overlook are the various federal grants awarded to students in need each year.

Granted value

Most federal grants, unlike loans, function as sources of funding. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if a student is awarded a grant, but withdraws from the program in which they’re enrolled, they may be required to pay back all or a portion of that grant.

Know your grants

The Department of Education offers multiple aid packages as part of the Federal Student Grant Program and all Summit Materials employees should be aware of them. The following four are granted most often, and each has different requirements for eligibility. The information below applies to the 2023-2024 academic year:

Federal Pell Grants - With a maximum award of $6,895, Pell Grants are reserved for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree yet.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEO) - FSEO Grants award a maximum of $4,000 to those who demonstrate exceptional need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. FSEO Grants also give priority to Pell Grant recipients over other applicants.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants - These grants award a maximum of $6,895, and they’re only for students whose parent or guardian served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants - TEACH Grants award a maximum of $4,000, and they’re reserved for students who are enrolled in teaching preparation programs and agree to teach for a minimum of 4 years at the elementary or secondary school level in a high-need field.

FAFSA Required

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No matter who you are or your financial situation, you may want to consider submitting a FAFSA. After all, the grants listed above do require recipients to have an application on file with the Department of Education. And who knows? The potential financial benefit that you as a Summit Materials employee could secure may surprise you.

Finder.com, 2019

StudentAid.gov, 2020

What type of retirement savings plan does Summit Materials offer?

Summit Materials offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

When can employees at Summit Materials enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Summit Materials can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial eligibility period or during the annual open enrollment period.

Is there a company match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan at Summit Materials?

Yes, Summit Materials provides a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How much can employees contribute to their 401(k) at Summit Materials?

Employees at Summit Materials can contribute up to the IRS annual limit, which is adjusted periodically. For 2023, the limit is $22,500, with an additional catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and over.

Does Summit Materials offer a Roth 401(k) option?

Yes, Summit Materials offers a Roth 401(k) option, allowing employees to make after-tax contributions to their retirement savings.

What investment options are available in the Summit Materials 401(k) plan?

The Summit Materials 401(k) plan provides a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Can employees at Summit Materials take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at Summit Materials may be eligible to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) balance if I leave Summit Materials?

If you leave Summit Materials, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or keep it in the Summit Materials plan if eligible.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts to the 401(k) at Summit Materials?

Employees at Summit Materials can change their contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in the Summit Materials 401(k) plan?

Yes, there is a vesting schedule for the company match in the Summit Materials 401(k) plan, which determines how much of the match you own based on your years of service.