Join WANDA

Achieve your full potential with WANDA

WANDA provides a curriculum focused on financial literacy, career advancement and life skills, plus a matched savings program, to low-income single mothers. 

Continue reading below to find out if WANDA is right for you. You’ll find a link to our application at the bottom of this page.

When you join WANDA, you:
Learn to set personal goals, boost your financial literacy, advance your career, and sharpen key life skills
Graduate from WANDA with up to $6000 to invest in education, retirement or home ownership
Belong to a supportive community of achievement-minded women with similar challenges and goals
Access WANDA’s large network of peers, mentors and partner organizations
Pass along to your children the knowledge and skills you acquire

How does it work?

The WANDA program last three years. During the first year, WANDA moms participate in classes once a month. Each participant opens a savings account when she joins and makes regular monthly deposits until she reaches $2000, or until the end of the three year period. WANDA matches these savings 2:1 – a mom who saves $2000 can earn up to $4000 in matching funds. This money is then invested in an asset. 

The 2021-2022 WANDA program cycle will be conducted online. Participants who lack a device or reliable internet connection at home may request assistance.

Application for 2021

WANDA accepts one new class of approximately 30 – 40 women each year. The application period for our next program cycle opens May 3, 2021. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled. Our next program will kick-off on September 11, 2021. 

 

To be eligible to apply to WANDA, you must fit these criteria:

  • Complete your application and submit supporting documentation 
  • Live, work or attend school in San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
  • Unmarried
  • File as head of household on your income tax return
  • Have at least one dependent 18 years or younger
  • Employed full or part-time, self-employment income or work study income
  • Personal assets valued below approximately $30,000
  • Have an income that falls within current WANDA income limits, as shown in the table below

 

We will request supporting documentation to verify your eligibility. Please have the following documentation available when you begin your application:

  • Photo ID (driver’s license, passport, student id)
  • 2020 federal tax return (Form 1040) – first 2 pages only
  • Your latest pay stub
  • Full credit report.  ALL pages of the full report please. You can get one free of charge from at creditkarma.com)

 

Income Eligibility Limits

Household size
2
3
4
5
6
Income limit

$83,520

$93,960

$104,400

$112,800
$121,140
Household size

Income limit

2
$59,040
3
$66,420
4
$73,800
5
$79,740
6
$85,620

Attend an Information Session

WANDA schedules several information sessions throughout the recruitment period. View dates and sign up for one of our online information sessions. These sessions are not required, but they offer a great way to learn more about WANDA. 

Contact Us

You may contact the WANDA Program Manager Jennifer Advani directly regarding applying to WANDA – we’d love to hear from you!
jennifer@wandasiliconvalley.org
855-926-3278 x103

APPLY NOW