How to Apply:

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1. The application is available online (download application now), at the Midland College BEDC, and all grant partners.  Complete the application.  For assistance call the Midland College BEDC at (432) 684-4309.
2. Bring the completed application with supportive enrollment documents to the Savings for Independence staff at the Midland College BEDC at Midland College Cogdell Learning Center, 201 W. Florida St. in Midland.  No appointment is necessary to submit an application during Midland College business hours (7am to 5pm Mondays through Thursdays during the summer). Only complete applications will be accepted.

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The Enrollment Process:

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1. The BEDC Savings for Independence staff member will verify that the application is complete with all supporting documentation.  If necessary, all supporting documentation will be copied to be included with application.  The original supporting documents will be returned to the owner.  When application is accepted, the candidate becomes a Savings for Independence Applicant and will be given an appointment to review application with Program Coordinator, Betsy Seanard.
2. If the applicant is interested in saving for a home, they will need to qualify for a mortgage and agree to purchase a home via the services from one of the following Savings for Independence grant partners: 

         Midland Community Development Corporation (MCDC),

         City of Midland Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) or

         Midland Habitat for Humanity (Habitat)                                          

   Prior to enrolling in the program, applicants interested in saving for a home must provide a statement from one of the above IDA grant partners indicating that they are a participant in their program.  This is not required prior to submitting an application.
3. The Program Coordinator will meet individually with applicant to review application and determine if the applicant officially meets all of the program requirements, such as net worth and income for household.  If the applicant qualifies, he/she will become a Savings for Independence Candidate and is enrolled in a Savings for Independence Orientation Class. 
4. At the Savings for Independence Orientation Class the candidate enrolls in the program and becomes a Savings for Independence Enrollee.
5. At the orientation class, the Savings for Independence Enrollee will sign up for the Money Smart financial literacy classes to be provided at no cost by Savings for Independence partners Community National Bank and Casa de Amigos.  Free childcare is available on a first-come basis.
6. At the orientation class, the Savings for Independence Participant will sign up for asset specific training, provided at no cost by Savings for Independence partners.  The Midland College BEDC business counselors will provide individual business counseling for participants saving for business assets.  Midland Community Development Corporation or Midland Habitat for Humanity will provide home-ownership classes for those saving for a home.
7. Within two weeks of attending the orientation class, the Savings for Independence Participant will open their IDA account at Community National Bank with a minimum deposit of $25.  When they have done this, they become a Savings for Independence Account Holder.  The Savings for Independence Account Holder then needs to continue making monthly deposits of at least $10 into their savings account until they establish a habit of saving and reach their savings goal.

Click here to download the application now.