Assets for Independence Question of the Week

Question: I have a few AFI project participants with education asset goals who want to take courses that do not carry academic credit nor lead to a certification. May I use match funds to pay for such courses and training?

Answer: Disbursements for education purchases must go to an eligible educational institution. This is the key AFI guideline. The training or coursework does not have to lead to a degree or certificate. It is good practice, however, to work with your savers to help them think about any education or training as an asset on which to build for continuing progress toward self-sufficiency. For example, will specific courses or training lead to a higher paying job, a promotion in their current place of work, or lay the groundwork for developing a small business?

This article originally ran in the IDAresources.org Update Newsletter on 02/04/10 and is available for archival purposes.
For updated information on asset building and the AFI program, please see www.IDAresources.org.