MAKING SENSE OF YOUR DOLLARS

 

Let's get real.  Living in Los Angeles, and for some of you, embarking on your first professional job, can be expensive and overwhelming.  You will not receive your first paycheck until after the school year begins (usually in mid-September), which can be stressful.  Take a breath though.  We want you to be able to plan for your move and set you up for financial success in LA!

First, review the Los Angeles regional financial profile. This is what you can expect to pay in order to enroll in your Alternative Certification Program and get into your classroom.  In addition to these upfront certification costs, you will have additional relocation expenses such as buying or leasing a car, moving your belongings, your apartment's deposit, electricity/internet/cable installation fees, furniture, professional attire, classroom supplies, and more.  The best time to start saving for these expenses is now! 

 

TRANSITIONAL GRANTS AND LOANS

We encourage all of our corps members to apply for Teach For America's need-based Transitional Grants & Loans to help pay for your transition to LA. If you are awarded grants/loans, they will be dispensed to you no later than the 2nd week of Institute, but you must apply for it. You can learn more about the process in the Applicant Center, or by emailing grantsandloans@teachforamerica.org.

 

EARLY DISBURSAL OF FUNDS

While transitional grants and loans are intended to fully support a corps member’s transition, we recognize that there are instances where corps members are unable to pay for testing costs that they will incur prior to receiving transitional funding in June.  As a non-profit, we have limited support funds; however, in some instances we can help offset costs that are incurred prior to June through an early disbursal of loans program.

As it can take up to 4 weeks for funds to transfer if your early disbursal application is approved, it is imperative that you reach out to us as soon as you identify a financial concerns. If you anticipate needing assistance prior to receiving transitional funding, please proactively reach out to lainfo@teachforamerica.org.  Please be specific as to the nature of your concern, including the amount you anticipate being able to pay and the amount you anticipate needing in support.

 

TIPS

Check out these tips for Budgeting for your transition into the corps.