Hello CC!
I have another thread where I talked about being accepted to the School of the New York Times Summer Academy for the summer of 2022. I was able to get 4k in financial aid, but I still have around 2.5k to pay in order to get there.
I was very lucky to have a lot of support in the journey so far. I planned to decline my spot as I really just cannot afford 2.5k but was actually stopped by my school as well as my local university where I take classes. I was offered a combined 1k from professors, my principal at school, programs I’m a part of, and teachers. That 1k covered my deposit, and it is surreal to me that I will be able to go to NYC this summer. My dream is to work for the Times and to live in the city, so you can imagine how ecstatic I am to have made this step while I’m still a junior in HS. It will be the first time I’ve ever traveled further than a few hours from home, and I’ve never left my home state.
I come to CC to ask for advice. I still have 1.5k to raise between now and June 1st. I need help brainstorming ideas to raise the funds.
Some background: I have a lot of people willing and eager to help me raise this money via fundraisers or other means. Along with this, I have a paid internship that I could probably contribute a few hundred from. However, I will have to buy my own plane ticket and all so I’ll already be out that money. My family really cannot contribute anything at all. We’re in a tough financial situation.
I cannot get a job, as I will be gone most of the summer doing a lot, a lot of school-related things. I plan to get a job next August so I can have it through the summer of 2023 before I start college (: I am 17 and I have my driver’s permit, but my family didn’t have a car until recently so I am still working on being a good enough driver to get my license. I have transportation to things if I really need it, I regularly take busses and am willing to walk if an idea is something I’d have to go to.
I am incredibly responsible. There is nothing I will not do for this, I am trying my hardest to raise this money between now and June 1st.
I really need some advice or ideas, and as I said, I’m open to most anything. I’m not sure where to look for aid, grants, etc. I hope I posted this in the right area. I am willing to answer any questions, I think I covered most everything though.
Thank you so much for giving this a read, it means a lot.
Babysitting would be flexible and provide some cash. I hope you are not disappointed in this summer program, and understand that it is not a path towards a journalism career.
I completely understand that aspect. For me, it is more so the ability and opportunity to be somewhere where I have wanted to be for as long as I can remember. I don’t think I was very clear with that, but I do understand it isn’t a job with the Times or anything.
Babysitting is a great idea, thanks for your input.
Ever thought of starting a GoFundMe? Or if there are any odd jobs you can do for your neighbors, friends, and professors?
Have you ever contacted the school? Is there any way you can explain your financial situation to them?
How about tutoring, esp writing tutoring. If it is very expensive in your area you maybe able to tutor younger kids at 1/4 the price and make significant amounts. Also, why cant you get a job now? Even if you work only on the weekends at minimum wage that can add up.
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Hi there! I cannot get a job now as my transportation is very shaky, and it wouldn’t be fair to my coworkers or employer. Along with this, I would have to quit pretty quickly as I won’t be home all summer (almost 3 months!) due to residential academic programs. I also live in a weird area with not many employment opportunities that aren’t 30+ minutes away when driving; all on highways and whatnot as well. I plan to get a job next August no matter what, but for now it wouldn’t be fair as I would be working only from like mid-March/April-May.
I have contacted the school, and they actually were very kind as to lower the deposit amount for me. I also was able to send checks in, cash, etc, as I am getting funds from many sources. They are a huge help, and they’re extending deadlines for me left and right. I couldn’t be more grateful; they’re awesome people.
try tutoring! Maybe even online? I have know teens who have gotten customer support jobs too who are very articulate and bright as you seem to be, do it from their bedroom! Good luck!
And if the program is living in NYC and you are allowed any outside time at all please make sure that you have a few hundred dollars in spending money. It is an expensive place even just to get on public transportation and fast food.
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Thank you for your kindness, I’ll make sure to look out for that. Thankfully, I have some family there who can help in any emergencies. Otherwise, the program covers everything- However, I’ll make sure to have money and I appreciate the reminder! I’m covering airfare, and otherwise, I’m just going to be saving for those types of expenses.
Update:
So, between me making this thread and now, unfortunately, my life kind of flipped on me. When it comes to getting a job and having free time to make money, I planned to start tutoring per some suggestions on this thread. Monday, a family member was involved in a pretty bad accident and was sent to the hospital. He is making substantial progress but has severe injuries and head trauma. He was in the ICU for a few days, and now is completely resetting mentally while he wakes up. I’m not letting my stress and worry be taken out on my academics, but it’s coming out in my free time. I have spent most evenings after school at the hospital until ~11 pm, doing my homework on my phone. I have hope that things will improve, but going forward if there are ideas that I can do remotely or online- that’s probably my best bet at the moment.
I think online tutoring would work really well! I am so thankful for all of your suggestions and replies; you’re all very kind.
My 19 year old had been tutoring online since before Covid. She was actually teaching 6th grade math to a homeschooled student starting last year in high school and this year away at college, through a tutoring company.
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That seems like a fantastic option for me, and something I would love to do. Do you have any recommendations for companies or employers that connect me with prospective students in need of tutoring?
My daughter found it through a local friend here in town, I don’t even know the name of the company (it’s small), but maybe google, or check out wyzant for online tutoring jobs.
thank you for your guidance and help!
Hi, I can’t really find any information on soNYT for this year and I was just wondering about your experience if the program if you were able to attend? I applied for Early Decision this year so I’m still waiting to see if i get accepted