The Opportunity Passport™ program provides financial literacy skills and an opportunity for matched savings designed to help youth successfully transition to adulthood. Experienced staff at Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (JMG) provide ongoing, consistent support as youth develop savings goals and plan for asset purchases.

After determination of eligibility and training, participants open a bank account at a financial institution of their choice. Money saved is matched, dollar for dollar up to $1,000 per year toward the purchase of specific assets essential to independence, including educational costs, housing, and transportation. More than 500 youth have saved and received matching funds in excess of 1.3 million dollars since the program was launched.

The OP™ program is supported by the Maine Youth Transition Collaborative (MYTC), a partnership of public and private sector partners who work together at the state and local levels to provide more opportunities and improve outcomes for youth in transition from foster care – in the areas of employment, education, housing, mental and physical health care, lifelong connections, and personal and community engagement. The Collaborative has been supported by the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative and the Annie E. Casey Foundation since 2003.

JMG STAFF: Debbie Bechard, Tracie Travers, Kara Boone