Program Benefits
To ensure that you’ll be able to support yourself in the city, we offer financial, health, and professional development benefits that will allow you to successfully complete your term.
Financial Benefits
As a Blue Engine Teaching Assistant, you will earn $1,200 per month for 12 months ($14,400 per year, approximately $275 per week) before taxes. Additionally, we provide BETAs a monthly Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) transit pass (valued at approximately $104/month) and all necessary school supplies including a netbook. Many BETAs have also successfully applied for Food Stamps and obtained the maximum amount ($200, paid monthly).
Housing Benefits
To make the year affordable, BETAs will have the chance to connect with each other and pursue housing options in groups. Blue Engine has established connections with a “no-fee” apartment brokerage that specializes in placing members of service corps (like Teach For America) in safe and affordable neighborhoods across the city. We will also provide you with a resource guide that will help you learn about NYC neighborhoods and the rental market here in the city. BETAs will be notified of school placements prior to start of service to allow enough time for informed housing decisions.
Living on a Budget
Blue Engine sponsors a variety of team building activities through fun free events in New York City. In addition, since BETAs work in teams and are all on a budget, free and low cost social events (like potlucks!) are a common occurrence. For honest answers from BETAs on living life on a budget in New York see BETA Unplugged.
Medical Benefits
Blue Engine Teaching Assistants are enrolled in basic health insurance through Summit America, the primary health insurance provider for AmeriCorps volunteers nationwide. We encourage prospective BETAs with specific health concerns to contact Summit America directly to learn more about the plan’s coverage details and limitations.
Professional Development Benefits
Blue Engine hosts optional monthly professional development sessions called Third Thursdays. Third Thursdays are based on BETA professional and personal interest. These events take the form of panel discussions, presentations, and more in order to provide opportunities and guidance for BETAs as they move forward in life after Blue Engine.
Educational Benefits
Blue Engine has applied to receive AmeriCorps education-related benefits through the New York State Commission for National and Community Service. PLEASE NOTE: AS OF NOW THAT APPLICATION IS STILL PENDING. If approved, Blue Engine Fellows will receive the following benefits for their year of service. If Blue Engine does not quality for AmeriCorps participation this year, BETAs will only receive the benefits outlined above. The Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which is pegged to the maximum Pell Grant award (a little over $5,350) — is valid upon successful completion of your term, and good for up to seven years after the end of your term. The Education Award can be used to repay student loans and/or to pay future tuition costs at qualifying institutions. Additionally, an increasing number of undergraduate and graduate institutions offer matching grants that double the value of your Education Award. For more information, check out the AmeriCorps Education Award site, as well as an AmeriCorps alumnus’s Ed Award site.
Blue Engine also allows for loan forbearance during service terms — for qualifying student loans. (Ask your lender or loan holder for details.) Upon the successful completion of your term, the National Service Trust will also repay any interest that’s accrued on your student loans during your term.
