assets to

opportunity

building a better tomorrow

assets to opportunity

making saving possible

Without a college degree, stable, well-paying jobs are much more difficult to find. This can keep families, and entire communities, trapped in a cycle of poverty.
A New Leaf’s Assets to Opportunity (ATO) program is a matched savings program. People of low to moderate means can build assets towards post-secondary education or developing their small business. Located within A New Leaf’s Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN), ATO collaborates with community partners to ease the burden of rising college costs.
Students can attend at any accredited community college, university, or trade school in Arizona. Small business owners can receive funds for necessary items and/or services they need in order to have a successful business.
By investing in education and small business in our community, A New Leaf is opening up new pathways for individuals across the Valley.
ANL Icons forWebsite 29 120

8:1 matched savings for education

ANL Icons forWebsite 233

3:1 matched savings for small business

ANL Icons forWebsite 30 120

financial literacy workshops

eligibility

For prospective applicants.

education

  • Income at or below 200% of federal poverty line
  • Have earned income
  • 16 years or older
  • Resident of Arizona
  • Commit to saving $500 and saving for at least 3 months
  • Commit to making $30 deposits twice per month
  • Complete financial wellness workshops
  • Complete all other program requirements

small business

  • Income at or below 200% of federal poverty line
  • Have earned income
  • 18 years or older
  • Resident of Arizona
  • Must be in the process of starting or expanding a business
  • Commit to saving $1000 and saving for at least 3 months
  • Commit to making $30 deposits twice per month
  • Complete financial wellness workshops
  • Complete all other program requirements

frequently asked questions

For current participants in the ATO program.

Can I make one deposit to count towards my two deposits for the 3-month savings requirement?

You cannot unfortunately. As the ATO program is a matched savings program centered around building better savings habits, it is required that you make at least two monthly deposits that are made on separate days. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

Can I make deposits greater than $30?

Absolutely, the only thing to keep in mind with making deposits greater than the $30 is that (1) doing so will not help you meet the program requirements faster AND (2) we will not match any savings above the $500 savings goal. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

Is there a way for me to access matched funds faster than 3 months?

No, if you are needing financial assistance faster than the 4-5 months it takes participants on average to access their funds, then this program may very well not be the right fit for you. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

Can I make online deposits, or can they only be made in person?

You are more than welcome to make your deposits in electronic form rather than in person, especially if that allow you to make those deposits with more ease. Simply let ATO staff know that you are looking to do so, and we will provide you with the information necessary to do so. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

Can I make more than two deposits in a month while working towards my 3-month savings requirement?

Absolutely, the only thing to keep in mind with making deposits greater than the $30 is that (1) doing so will not help you meet the program requirements faster AND (2) we will not match any savings above the $500 savings goal. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

I was unable to make my second deposit before the end of the month, what should I do now?

If you made one deposit but were unable to make your second deposit before the end of the month, please reach out to ATO staff regarding your deposits for the month.

Is there a way to view my AZB&T account balance?

We currently do not have a way for participants to view their bank account information and balance at this time, unfortunately. Please reach out to ATO staff to check your current account balance.

I have met my 3-month savings requirement and my financial workshop requirement, what do I do now?

Once you have met your program requirements to begin using your funds, and once you have an applicable purchase (tuition/bookstore), it is your responsibility to reach out to ATO staff and let us know that you are ready to begin using your funds. ATO staff will then inform you of what is needed next to begin requesting your funds for tuition and/or a bookstore order. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

How long will it take to have my funds applied to my tuition?

The process to request and get your funds sent out to your school takes about 2-3 weeks on average. Please keep this in mind when planning for using your funds and paying for school. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

How long will it take to receive my bookstore order that I have used my funds to place and pay for?

The process to request and get your funds sent out to your schools’ bookstore takes about 3 weeks. Please keep this in mind when planning for using your funds for purchasing bookstore items. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

I am needing my textbooks for class this week, am I able to order and pay for the books myself and receive a refund from the ATO program afterwards?

All bookstore orders and tuition must be paid directly to the school or bookstore by the program up front. The ATO program is unable to provide education participants with refunds currently. Please reach out to ATO staff if you have further questions.

Can I re-apply for the ATO program after graduating from the program?

Yes. Please reach out to ATO staff for more information.

Questions about Assets to Opportunity eligibility?

Email staff at ATO@turnanewleaf.org.

location

635 E Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85204

Assets to Opportunity

hours

monday – friday: 8:00am-5:00pm

phone

480-833-9200 X 3415

communities forever changed

Abraham

This savings program allows me to actually do my best in school, instead of barely getting by. It gives me a fair playing field compared to those that are able to quickly succeed because they have no other responsibilities.”Abraham has always been a hard worker. In...
Abraham right side 1200
Abraham right side 1200

Abraham

This savings program allows me to actually do my best in school, instead of barely getting by. It gives me a fair playing field compared to those that are able to quickly succeed because they have no other responsibilities.”Abraham has always been a hard worker. In...

learn more

download the program fact sheet

more services

explore all of A New Leaf’s services

we can help

Please do not contact staff members directly for assistance. Use the information above to access services.

Mary Cruz

Program Supervisor

(480) 833-3415

ato@turnanewleaf.org

Eva Felix
Director of Community Services
(480) 833-9200 x3404
evfelix@turnanewleaf.org