211 is partnering with the San Francisco Treasurer’s Office to ensure more low-income families in the city participate in the Kindergarten to College (K2C) program.  Our 211 call center specialists will make calls to 1,135 San Francisco families during the next few weeks to encourage them particpate in the program, activate their accounts and start savings for their children’s future. 

“Most people know 211 as the number to call when they need help.  But we also partner with programs like Kindergarten to College to boost outreach efforts by making outgoing calls,” said Helen Rosen, director of United Way’s 211.  “We are pleased to partner with Treasurer Cisneros’ office to help spread the word about this important program. Our goal is to get as many parents as possible to activate their children’s accounts and start saving.”

K2C is a college savings initiative for kindergartners entering the San Francisco Unified School District. Each eligible child starts kindergarten with a savings account.  To jump-start their savings, qualifying families receive $50 in their new accounts from the City and County of San Francisco.  Additionally, the first $100 saved will be matched with an additional $100. The children, and their families, are encouraged to contribute to the account throughout grade school and high school. 

“Savings has a significantly positive effect on children and families — research has shown that a child with a college savings account held in his or her name is seven times more likely to attend college than one without, regardless of income, race or academic achievement,” said Leigh Phillips, Manager, Office of Financial Empowerment, Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector, City and County of San Francisco. ”We believe that K2C will increase academic aspirations by making college a reality from the first day of school. As the program motto says, ‘Save Steady, Dream Huge.’”

Learn more about Kindergarten to College at www.mysavingsaccount.com/K2C.