Youth IDA Program Proposal for the Bethlehem Community Center in Chattanooga, TN
by Christy Norwood

Abstract:
The following paper was written by the author during the research internship that she is required to complete as part of the Community Development Major at Covenant College. The paper reviews the best practices of existing Youth Individual Development Account (IDA) Programs, which match the savings of low-income youths in order to equip them to purchase specified, productive assets or to pursue higher education. Youth IDA programs also provide wonderful opportunities for developing relational ministries that teach biblical principles of stewardship and entrepreneurship. The author makes recommendations to the Bethlehem Community Center of Chattanooga, TN, the host organization for her internship, about how to implement an IDA program in the context of their holistic ministry to urban youth. Although the paper addresses the specific geographic, cultural, and organizational context of the Bethlehem Community Center, a general audience will benefit from the review of existing programs and from seeing an example of how to develop a Youth IDA Program.