A special information and sign-up session to be held this Thursday in Saint John  to help families determine their eligibility and apply for an education bond program from the federal government. Hosted by Vibrant Communities, Bayview Credit Union, Bank of Montreal, Scotiabank and RBC, the sign-up for the Canada Learning Bond will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s School, 172 City Line. Up to $2,000 for each child can be made available for qualifying families. And while it is reminded that families are not required to contribute any amount of their own money to the bond, the government will add funds as well if parents wish to do so. Saint John wants our youth to be educated. The Federal Government does as well. “The Federal Government is making available a Canada Learning Bond for children born after Jan. 1, 2004, and whose family gross income is $43,561 and under,”a press release says. The session is planned to increase awareness of the bond, as only 187 have signed up in the past 18 months, with 4,000 more spots open. Parents are required to bring a child’s original birth certificate, social insurance number (if they have one). As well, parents should bring their own social insurance number and another piece of ID. For more information on paperwork, contact Vibrant Communities at 343-5382. For more information on Registered Educations Savings Plans click here.