COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus officials are preparing to launch a program that aims to boost the economic well-being of qualifying residents through direct monthly payments of $500. During the two-year pilot initiative called the “Economic Mobility Accelerator Program,” the city plans to invest $2.5 million toward monthly cash payments of $500 for up to 200 households. Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin recently announced the program; however, the funding still needs to be approved by the Council.  To qualify, Columbus citizens must be employed and make more than the poverty level but less than central Ohio’s cost of living -- this amounts to about more than $15,000 but less than $30,000 annually for a one-person household. Those in the program may spend the monthly payments at their discretion, with the cash intended to help with expenses such as housing, health care, childcare, or transportation.  Which central Ohio public school districts are now associated with LifeWise? “Columbus residents are challenged to make ends meet, with 44% of the households in our city employed in jobs that do not pay enough to cover our region’s cost of living,” Ginther said. “By directly investing in our neighbors, we are directly investing in their success, in higher wage opportunities and overall quality of life for our families.” Recipients must participate and graduate from one of six programs that offer job training, career services or wealth-building guidance in order to remain eligible for the monthly payments. Local nonprofits will provide the programs, as well as administer the funding to participants. Those nonprofits and their programs include: Alvis’ Empowering Development By Gaining Employment program provides occupational training to Columbus residents who have reentered the community after incarceration. Columbus Urban League’s Career Connect Hub program provides Wraparound education, job training and financial literacy services. Goodwill Columbus’ Commercial Driver’s License Training program provides driver’s license training and job placement assistance.  New Directions Career Center, E3 (Educate, Empower, Elevate) program provides career services for women.  RISE Center and CMHA’s Ready, Set, RISE program provides career and life navigation and employment programs. United Way of Central Ohio, Tax Time Program provides financial resources, tax assistance and wealth-building programming. Residents interested in the program should reach out to the nonprofits directly, however, Ginther said the program is going to focus on existing clients of the six groups. The Financial Empowerment Center, established by the Columbus Women's Commission, will also provide each participant with financial literacy training and a $500 savings account.