Save Smart Jr.

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

What is a College IDA?
Save Smart Jr. is a program designed to help CCS students and families grow their savings for college by starting early, and working to build them over the course of several years.  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:
   • Having a parent or guardian open a custodial savings account with a specified savings goal
   • Putting money into the account throughout the years leading up to high school graduation and college entrance.
3. Once enrolled, participants must complete financial planning training once a year until high school graduation.
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 CCS 7th, 8th and 9th graders who:

• Are projected to be Pell Eligible (as determined by the Federal Income Guidelines)
• Have a parent/guardian with earned income for at least 30 days
• Attend a Save Smart informational session at I Know I Can
  

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