College Kids Children's Savings Account Program

In 2015, the City of St. Louis Treasurer's Office launched our largest and most ambitious financial empowerment program to date, the College Kids Children's Savings Account Program. Every kindergarten student in a public school or charter school in the City of St. Louis receives a savings account with a $50 seed deposit. Families can watch the account grow through incentives such as matched savings, attendance bonuses and parent participation in financial education courses. Research shows that children with college savings are 3x more likely to enroll in college and 4x more likely to graduate from college than children without college savings.  College Kids is dedicated to supporting our students in every way possible, ensuring they have access to great educational and financial experiences. Each month, we focus on crucial aspects of financial literacy: Savings, Budgeting, Credit and Money Management.

Testimonials

We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the College Kids program. It’s truly a vital part in the life of a child. It’s positive, constructive, and a must have for children today.”

- Sharon McLarren, College Kids Parent

Having dedicated my career to coaching youth sports and mentoring at-risk youth, it’s an honor to join the College Kids board, as I know preparing for post-secondary success is critical to preparing our children for the future.”                                                        

 - Ryan Wilson, Saint Louis University

“This program is geared toward prepping children for college and financial literacy, but it’s actually so much more! We have family outings at the ballpark and monthly opportunities with contests to make things challenging and earn money for our college accounts.”

 - Destiny W., College Kids participant

Thanks to the program, our kindergarten students and families have access to a savings account for future educational expenses, and this empowers them for a strong financial future.”                                             

 - Dr. Meghan Hill, Superintendent, St. Louis Language Immersion School