Putting self through academy in Gainesville?

[FtrLaw002]

Hi everyone..

I've applied for the Santa Fe Police Academy in Gainesville, FL, done the FBAT and obstacle course with them, so I am in the process of applying still.. but I don't think I'll be able to do it due to money issues.

GPD isn't sponsoring, neither is any of the other agencies in the area. Gainesville area is what I'm looking to do right now, but it seems that its only being made available to certifieds or non-dependents who have some savings to put them through academy (or people who are still living with mom and dad for free), which I am neither.

I'm graduating from UF this semester and financial aid at the academy is pretty down in the dumps, only offering me a loan for the academy portion.

How did other people pay for living during academy? IF you havent , maybe you have suggestions other than some ridiculous private loans that would cost me more than they're worth..

HELP!!!! Thanks!

[PeteM]

I am planning to start the academy in January at SCC in Orlando and if one of the sponsorship opportunities does not come through, I am just going to work during the day and attend the academy at night.

Anything you can do to make it work...

[Gringe]

When I went through Santa Fe, I used the loan the school offered for the academy. Luckily, I had an online job doing website stuff and was able to pay for a living, without actually having to "go to work".

[FtrLaw002]

PeteM , Gringe , thanks for the replies, I will keep looking for private loans or other things to do. Online work would be awesome, but I doubt it would cover the grand or 2 required for a month of living expenses.

[Time4DecoStop]

I'm in the academy now, I saved money prior but still work on the weekends... Work at bar or restaurant on the weekends.

[Blueribbon]

It's a bad three letter word... "JOB." That's right, employment because there's no such thing as free money. All the folks I know that self-sponsored through the academy had jobs and many worked full time. Remember, you'll always have the time to do the things you want to do.

[FtrLaw002]

It's a bad three letter word... "JOB." That's right, employment because there's no such thing as free money. All the folks I know that self-sponsored through the academy had jobs and many worked full time. Remember, you'll always have the time to do the things you want to do.

Thanks for the insight, Blueribbon, but tell me when you can work enough to make the 1-2 thousand a month required for living expenses, when academy is from 1p-10pm M-F for 7 months.

I'd pay off some loans afterward if need be, but having to pay $20,000 in loans to become a police officer is really pushing it. Does ANYONE do this? Anyone? I understand the economy and no sponsoring now, so it is what it is. If the academy and my loan situation can't resolve itself by my actions here, it'll have to be cancelled or I'll just have to figure some other career path out for now.

Simple.

[Blueribbon]

The military is always hiring and with a four year degree you could start out as a commissioned officer which means better pay. But that'd take a commitment and a move away from Gainsville; thus you'd have to put the academy on hold for awhile. Another bonus is if you enter the right field, the military will pay-off some of those hefty loans.

[StudChris]

About the only people that were able to go off financial aid alone when I went through were the guys using the GI Bill.

[ftlaudcop]

well, if money is the question......

# 1 start at the county jail, they usually sponser or send to the academy within 6 months, and yr earning a paycheck as well.

it will give you a taste of dealing with criminals 100 % of your time,
and gain experience.

[futureLEO87]

Is that the only option the Gainesville academy offers? In Hillsborough you can either go from 8-5 M-F for 6 months, which allows you to work weekends, or 5 (or maybe 6 don't remember)-10 on weekdays and on Saturdays for 9 months. Allowing you to work during the days.

[Gringe]

It sometimes alternates. I'm not sure of the times of the Jan class. My class was 1pm - 10pm, the class right after mines which is there now is 8pm - 5pm.

[The SSheriff]

I was fortunate enough to use up my Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid when I went through. While I was in the academy I picked up a job at the Gainesville Raceway. They'll pay you $8/hr, and since you're interested in LE, you'll probably land the job over there because the guy who runs the place is retired with Jacksonville Sheriff and dabbles with ASO. You'll work at least 2 nights a week and whatever special events they have.

PM me if you have any questions. The Gainesville academy is second to none, but remember that there are other places in FL with more ample job markets. If you can't land with ASO, GPD, UPD or Alachua PD, try to apply more South.

[fleetguy]

I took out a loan and worked oddjobs when I could. No real time for toys or fun when your in the academy and you would not belive how far you can go on roaman noodles and balony. You have to give it your best, I finished high in my class and I belive as is only the top 10 from my class got hired and are still employed. Your at UF now as a student and you requierd 2G a month!! Its time to move out of The Estates or Cabana Beach and find some reasonable houseing or maybe just get some roomates! If you want it you can make it work. You can go for 3 or 4 months before the collection agencys start looking for you.

[FtrLaw002]

GREAT POSTS!! Yes I will check out the job suggestions you guys put out there, and think about furthering cutting my costs down a month ( MMM RAMEN! done it before, can do it again) Thank you all, very helpful. *thumbup*