FAQs
Why Was YTEC Created When SEFA Already Exists?
While SEFA offers a partial solution to the tuition crisis, it is limited:
- SEFA provides a $2,500 voucher after a $1,200 payment, netting only $1,300.
- The $1,300 is fully taxable and may even impact your tax bracket.
YTEC, by contrast, offers a comprehensive solution:
- No tuition payments to schools.
- Instead, families contribute $3,000 per member annually — a fully tax-deductible donation.
- These funds will cover all school operating expenses, allowing schools to eliminate tuition entirely.
Key Details:
- The $3,000 payment covers each family member until marriage.
- Married children become responsible for their own contributions.
- Parents continue paying for themselves as long as they are able. If not, their children are jointly responsible.
- Once 60,000 members are registered (raising $180 million), payment collection will begin via credit card authorization — but only once the full target is reached.
- Payments can be made monthly ($250/month) or annually ($3,000).
- Total community school expenses are approximately $200 million annually.
- Any shortfall will be supplemented through additional fundraising and support.
Our mission is simple: Eliminate tuition and sustain our schools.
Every member of the community — for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
To fully fund the schools’ annual $200 million budget, broad community participation is essential. We all benefit from the community; it’s our responsibility to give back.
To preserve our Sephardic heritage and ensure the future of our community’s education.
Sign up at YTEC.nyc, encourage friends and family to register, and join the YTEC Captains chat.
Every community member, from infants to adults. Parents are responsible for all unmarried children; once married, individuals assume responsibility for their own payments.
Yes. YTEC will collect and fund each school’s annual approved budget.
No. Each school maintains full autonomy over administration, staffing, payments, and curriculum.
According to the Aruch HaShulchan in Hilchot Talmud Torah, funding Torah education is a communal obligation.
Yes — until marriage, they remain under parental responsibility.
Yes. Group insurance rates, bulk supply purchases, and elimination of tuition billing departments will all reduce costs.
Absolutely. Removing the burden of tuition will enable many more families to enroll their children.
All Sephardic community schools.
Each case will be reviewed individually with compassion and dignity.
100% of funds collected.
YTEC will seek support from large donors and foundations to cover any shortfall.
They will no longer be necessary once YTEC is fully operational.
Yes. A comprehensive set of bylaws has been prepared by our legal team.
A committee of three respected community rabbis will oversee distribution, with each school appointing a liaison.
Parents continue contributing annually; unmarried children remain covered under their parents until marriage.
Yes. Contributions must cover all eligible years from birth.
Yes. If parents are unable to pay, their children jointly assume responsibility.
Independent accountants will publish an annual financial report
