Los Angeles is running an exciting program called BOOST (Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive). It gives money directly to students of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) to help with living costs.
This program, funded by private foundations with over $4 million, is the largest of its kind in the U.S.
What Is BOOST?
BOOST is a guaranteed income program by the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges. It helps fill the gap between financial aid, wages, and rising living costs for students.
The program is fully supported by private foundations: The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Young Adults Forward Fund, ECMC Foundation, and Weingart Foundation.
How BOOST Works
BOOST offers $1,000 every month for a year—totalling $12,000—to at least 251 selected students. There’s no requirement on how to use the money; it is unrestricted. If students don’t spend the money, it rolls over to the next month.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania is running a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) with BOOST. This trial studies the program’s impact and helps improve it for future support.
Who Joined and How
Enrollment opened in late 2024. Students received an email titled “Welcome to BOOST” with a link to complete an enrollment form. Those who filled it quickly received a BOOST debit card. After mailing the form, it took about 2–3 weeks to get the card and the first $1,000 payment.
Payment Schedule
The first BOOST payments reached students as early as November 25 or December 20, 2024. Since January 2025, payments arrive on the 15th of each month. That means the next payment is scheduled for June 15, 2025.
If a student changes enrollment status at any LACCD college during the year, they still keep getting the payments. The only requirement is to fill out regular surveys for the University of Pennsylvania researchers.
Why It Matters
BOOST aims to reduce financial stress by giving students extra support to focus on studies. The RCT helps understand how this money affects their academic success, well-being, and future plans.
If successful, BOOST could continue beyond the first year and serve as a model for other colleges.
Similar Programs
Other guaranteed income programs are also running in the U.S. One program, named “Breathe,” gave $1,500 per family. Another initiative gives families $725 each month for a year. These programs, like BOOST, provide unconditional cash to help people manage rising living costs.
BOOST is empowering students in the LACCD with extra financial support—$1,000 each month for a year, no strings attached. With backing from major foundations and the academic study by the University of Pennsylvania, BOOST could transform student financial aid.
The next payment is set for June 15, 2025—so let’s watch how this program unfolds.
FAQs
What is the BOOST program for college students in LA?
BOOST (Building Outstanding Opportunities for Students to Thrive) is a guaranteed income program offering $1,000 per month for 12 months to selected students in the Los Angeles Community College District to support their cost of living.
Who qualifies for BOOST and how are students selected?
At least 251 students from LACCD were randomly selected near the end of 2024. Eligible students received an email with enrollment steps to join the program.
Is the BOOST payment conditional or can students use it freely?
The BOOST payments are unconditional. Students can use the $1,000 monthly payment for any needs they choose, and unused amounts roll over.
When do BOOST payments get sent out?
BOOST payments are made on the 15th of each month starting January 2025. The next payment is scheduled for June 15, 2025.
Do students still receive payments if they change their enrollment?
Yes, students will continue to receive BOOST payments for the full year even if their enrollment status changes within LACCD, as long as they continue completing required surveys.
