The Opportunity Passport™ program can help you build a brighter financial future.
General Information
Opportunity Passport™ is a program through the Annie E. Casey Foundation that provides youth with financial education and a matched savings program so youth can save money and purchase specific items that help them with life goals. To participate in Opportunity Passport™ (OP) youth must complete the financial literacy training and open a bank account. The money you save will be matched, dollar for dollar up to $1,000 per year and a $3,000 lifetime maximum towards a purchase.
Who is eligible?
- People between 14-25 years old
- Currently or have been in the Maine foster care system for at least one day since the age of 14
- Participate in financial education training through Jobs for Maine’s Graduates
- Have a job or an ongoing, reliable source of income
- Have the desire and commitment to saving money
- Have government issued identification (state ID, license or passport)
You can be referred to this program through a caseworker, foster parent, educator, support staff or yourself! Youth are encouraged to contact the program as soon as they are interested because there is a wait list to participate.
Items which can be purchased with the matched savings program:
Education: tuition, room & board, computers
Housing: rent, purchase a home, furnishings
Transportation: vehicles and certain associated expenses, repairs, bus passes
Medical: dental and health costs
Investments: Certificates of Deposit and retirement accounts
Resources
Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) coordinates the Opportunity Passport™ program in Maine. For more information visit https://www.jmg.org/programs/opportunity-passporttm.
Maine Youth Transition Collaborative (MYTC) has information about OP™ and Maine Youth Match Stories. Check it out at www.maine-ytc.org/oppassport/description.
The Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative website provides young people transitioning from foster care to adulthood with financial education. For more information visit http://www.aecf.org/work/child-welfare/jim-casey-youth-opportunities-initiative/areas-of-expertise/opportunity-passport/.
Contact Information
Debbie Bechard
Jobs for Maine’s Graduates
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 9
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (207) 620-7180