BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Monday the award of $1 million dollars to support two Children’s Savings Account pilot programs.
According to a news release from the Governor’s office, $500,000 dollars each will go to the Battle Creek Community Foundation and Wayne Metro Community Action Agency to establish the special savings accounts.
“By investing $1 million into the Children’s Savings Account pilot program, we are expanding opportunities and improving outcomes for Michigan’s children,” said Whitmer. “Children’s savings accounts offer an exciting platform to help families build wealth and pay for educational expenses, including extracurricular activities that are critical to a child’s development. We will continue working with our philanthropic partners to build children’s saving account pilot programs in urban and rural regions of Michigan and keep finding ways to empower every Michigander to chase their potential.”
Officials with the Battle Creek Community Foundation say the grant will create CSAs for the underserved school districts of Harper Creek Community Schools and Pennfield Schools, starting in kindergarten, for a goal of 360 savings accounts.
“The Battle Creek College Access Network and the Battle Creek Community Foundation are very excited about this award, said Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Battle Creek College Access Network. “This opportunity will allow us to continue to grow a college-going culture in our community, particularly for those students who live in more rural school districts. Encouraging students and their families to save for post-secondary education sends a message that college can be a reality. Knowing they have a community that supports them, believes in them and invests in them is also critical to their success.”
