Mass High Tech -
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Published on: 10/10/2002
Last Visited: 10/10/2002
That's not the point, says Jennifer Rosenberg, a Staples spokesperson, who said the company is aware that Upromise members can use the savings for purpos- es other than education.
Staples gives 2 percent of a consumer's spending to the Upromise program.
"Certainly, Staples believes in education and helping people think about their future," Rosenberg said."One could argue that the stores, service companies and restaurants are in fact trying to help customers save for college, but I don't believe Upromise is being very up front about the ins and outs of the program."
What they are doing is perfectly legal, but it's certainly misleading.
Upromise's mission should be that they help families save money, period.
...
"Like any kind of promotional type of partner, you would see some benefit from it," Rosenberg said." And certainly Staples sees a benefit."
Upromise recently announced that it is forming a partnership with American Education Services, one of the largest education loan providers in the nation.
AES is a division of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, a non-profit financial aid services organization in Harrisburg.
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Rosenberg said Staples is comfortable with Upromise's intention, even if the end result isn't always saving for education.
"I would say that Upromise's intention is around raising awareness and on how important it is for people to think about their children's education and future.I commend them and applaud them for raising the issue."