San Francisco Launches Kindergarten To College Program
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - More than a thousand kindergartners in San Francisco will be receiving a new savings account to help them get started on a college education fund.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is the front man for the Kindergarten to College program, which is the nation's first universal children's savings account program, designed to put all kids on the path to college.
Newsom was at Sanchez Elementary on Tuesday, which is one of the first of 18 schools to be part of the program.
KCBS Bob Melrose Reporting:
That number is expected to double next year. Newsom said each student will be given $50-100, something City Treasurer Jose Cisneros said is meant as a symbol more than anything else.
"It really is about building aspirations in the hearts and minds of every child who enters the San Francisco public school system," Cisneros said. "A chance to let every child know they have the opportunity and the equal opportunity to be successful like everybody else in our city."
Cisneros said the idea is to have parents and students add to the account as each year goes by.
Citibank is working with the program to create, open and manage the accounts for the children.
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