College Student Helped by Car Program
posted 2/7/24 -- Future veterinarian Amiah Robinson is attending college in a solid car thanks to the By Car program LCCAA facilitates for OhioMeansJobs Lorain County clients.Amiah is driving a 2015 Nissan Altima purchased from Ken Ganley Ford while she was on winter break from Earlham College in Indiana.
“I am so thankful for the program,” said her mother, Melinda. “I would definitely do it again.”
The Robinsons learned about the program when the former Clearview High School soccer player participated in another OMJ offering in 2022. With the family down to one car and Amiah’s brother off at Kent State University, the By Car program was a great solution.
At first, Melinda wasn’t sure Amiah would qualify and then they confronted the shortage of used cars in the area. Finally, they found a match to put Amiah’s savings toward.
“It was a true blessing,” Melinda said.
The By Car program matches earned income at a rate of three dollars for every dollar saved. Participants who save $2,000 can buy an $8,000 car. Amiah was also among the participants who have the first year of their car insurance paid by the program, up to $2,500.
Participants must enroll in specific OMJ programs and assessments and complete a financial class hosted by LCCAA.