AMP Up is a free three-year program, offered as part of a research study, for residents of the Boston Housing Authority and Cambridge Housing Authority. The program can give participants support to get a good-paying job or manage their money. If participants are eligible and are admitted to the program based on availability, they will meet with their mentor regularly to set goals and get support. They can earn up to $700 a year for making progress on their goals.

The AMP Up study seeks to understand how EMPath’s economic mentoring program can advance the economic mobility of BHA & CHA residents. AMP Up is operated by EMPath, with support from the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA). EMPath is also partnering with lead researcher Lawrence Katz at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to better understand the program.

Are you ready to achieve your goals?

Our mentors can provide you with the support you need to manage your money or land a high-paying job. If you are eligible and admitted to the program based on availability, you will meet with your mentor regularly, either in person or online. By participating, you can earn up to $700 per year for making progress on your own goals.

You must:
☑ Live in public or leased housing from BHA/CHA Be an adult between the ages
☑ of 18 and 55 Be able to legally work in the U.S.
☑ Be willing to
☑ meet with your mentor on a regular basis virtually or in person

If you have questions, email ampupboston@gmail.com or call 857-217-4309.

AMP Up Research Study: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is AMP Up?

AMP Up is a free three-year program for residents of the Boston Housing Authority and Cambridge Housing Authority, offered as part of a research study. The program can give participants support to get a good-paying job or manage their money. If participants are eligible, agree to participate, and are randomly admitted to the program, they will meet with their mentor regularly to set goals and get support. They can earn up to $700 a year for making progress on their goals. Researchers will track information about participants, whether or not they are admitted to the program, to learn about how the program helps individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Who runs AMP Up?

AMP Up is operated by EMPath with support from the BHA and CHA. EMPath is also partnering with researchers and staff at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to better understand the program. This means that AMP Up is being run as a research study, and in order to get a chance at AMP Up services, participants must agree to be a part of the study.

Who is eligible to participate in AMP Up?

In order to be eligible to participate in AMP Up, applicants must be:

  • Living in BHA or CHA leased or public housing.

  • Between the ages of 18 and 55.

  • Willing, able, and legally eligible to work in the United States.

  • Willing to regularly meet with their mentor, virtually or in person.

  • Not a CFO or Mass LEAP graduate, and not currently enrolled in CFO.

How are applicants selected for the program?

After agreeing to participate in the study and completing the intake forms, applicants are assigned to the program (receive AMP Up services) at random. The assignment is done by a computer process that is like pulling names from a hat. Each applicant will have the same chance as all the other people who agree to be in the study of being selected for the program. Selection into the program is not based on anything about the applicants or their household.

Participants who are not selected to receive AMP Up will receive a list of services they are already eligible for as residents of their participating housing authority. They may apply to any of these or other programs; they may not reapply to AMP Up.