The Education and Assistance Corporation (EAC) recently launched a new program called "Project Jumpstart." The program has been developed and is implemented by EAC in cooperation with the Nassau and Suffolk County Departments of Social Services. Project Jumpstart will provide qualified applicants with a used automobile to help them maintain and improve employment.

Through funds provided by the New York State Department of Labor under the Wheels For Work Demonstration Project, EAC will purchase used cars in good condition for applicants. Applicants will be provided with a two-year no-interest loan from Astoria Federal Savings and will be required to pay back a small portion of the cost of the vehicle over two years.

To qualify for Project Jumpstart, candidates must have worked full-time (35 hours/week) for a minimum of six consecutive months, fall below 200 percent of the poverty level, possess a valid drivers license, and be insurable.

This innovative program will provide 100 Long Island residents each year with transportation to get to work, deal with the responsibility of getting their children to and from day care, plus handle the demands of running a household.

The Education and Assistance Corporation helps more than 45,000 people each year with programs that provide educational, vocational, counseling and mediation services, rehabilitation for non-violent offenders, support to children and the aged.

To find out if you qualify for assistance from Project Jumpstart, call 571-4897 for Nassau County residents and (631) 853-3867 for Suffolk County residents.