Save Smart

Save Smart is an I Know I Can/ECDI college savings match initiative.

What is a College IDA?
The Save Smart initiative is a program designed to help CCS students and families grow their savings for college.  It is modeled after Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), which are matched savings accounts that can earn as much as $4 for every $1 a participant saves. 

How it works:

1. An eligible individual registers for and attends a Save Smart Informational Session 
2. Eligible student enrolls in the program by:
   • Opening a custodial savings account with a specified savings goal.
   • Putting money into the account over the course of at least 6 months.
3. Once enrolled, participants must complete financial literacy and financial planning training.
4. Once the savings goal has been reached, ECDI matches the amount earned and sends a check directly to the participants college or university.

Who is eligible for the Save Smart Initiative?
Those eligible are current H.S. Seniors and current college students who:

• Have been approved to receive the IKIC Grant
• Are enrolled full-time at a college or university
• Are Pell Eligible (as determined by the FAFSA)
• Have earned income for at least 30 days or have a parent(s) who has earned income for at least 30 days
• Attend on of the three informational sessions at I Know I Can
  

Click Here if you are a new student interested in attending a Save Smart Informational session.

What are Save Smart Financial Planning Sessions?

• Required of Save Smart participants
• 4 hour sessions where students and families learn the importance of and strategies for saving and financial planning.

Click Here to register if you are an enrolled student needing to attend a Save Smart Financial Planning Session.
These are only for students who have officially enrolled in the Save Smart program.

All Informational and Financial Planning sessions are held at the I Know I Can office (3798 E. Broad Street, between Staples and Citi trends in the Town & Country shopping center).

If you have any questions about Save Smart, contact Felicia Mitchell at fmitchell@iknowican.org or 614.233.9510 ext. 118