If you are a student in Los Angeles, there is some really good news for you. You might be able to get $1,000 every month for a whole year — no strings attached. But you need to act fast, because the deadline to apply is June 15.
This opportunity comes through a program called BOOST, and it is already helping hundreds of college students in L.A. handle the high cost of living. If you are trying to figure out if you qualify or how it works, here is everything you need to know in simple terms.
What is the boost program in los angeles?
BOOST stands for Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive. It is a guaranteed income program made just for students in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD).
Here is what it offers:
- $1,000 every month
- No work required
- No spending rules
- Money is delivered on a debit card
- Total of $12,000 over one year
This is the largest guaranteed income program in the country that focuses only on students.
Who qualifies for the boost program?
To get BOOST, you must:
- Be a student in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)
- Have received an email invite with the subject line “Welcome to BOOST”
- Be one of the 251 selected students already enrolled — or apply by June 15 if a new round opens
So far, 251 students have already been accepted, and they have been receiving their payments since late 2024. If you got that email and filled out the form, then you are likely already in the system.
But if you are just hearing about this, do not worry — new students may still have a chance, but you must apply before June 15.
How does the boost payment work?
Here is how the money is sent:
- Students get a debit card
- Money is loaded onto the card every month — usually on the 15th
- If you do not use it all, the money stays on the card
- No restrictions — you can spend it on food, rent, books, gas, or anything else you need
Payments began between November 25 and December 20, 2024, depending on when you enrolled. Since January, all monthly payments have arrived on the 15th.
The next deposit of $1,000 is coming June 15.
What happens if your school status changes?
Even if you switch schools within the LACCD or take fewer classes, you will still get the money. BOOST is designed to be flexible so that it keeps helping you even if life changes a bit.
Is there a catch or condition?
There is no catch when it comes to how you use the money. But students in the program are asked to do a few things:
- Fill out short surveys during the year
- Take part in research to help understand the program’s impact
The program is being studied with the help of the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania. The goal is to see how this kind of support changes students’ lives.
How is the boost program funded?
BOOST is funded by several private organizations, including:
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
- Young Adults Forward Fund
- ECMC Foundation
- Weingart Foundation
Together, they put in more than $4 million to make this program happen.
If you are a student in L.A. and need extra help, BOOST might be the break you have been waiting for. Just make sure to check your email or apply before June 15.
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