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Dollars for College is a children's savings account (CSA) program that is designed to provide Lancaster families with a safe, easy to access, trusted and low-cost opportunity to build savings for their child's future post-secondary education, developed in partnership between Lancaster ISD, Richardson ISD, Communities Foundation of Texas, and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.



Kids who grow up with even a small college savings amount are 3 times more likely to go to college and 4 times more likely to graduate. The goal for Dollars for College is to ensure that every student can achieve their dreams beyond high school, which is best realized through completion of post-secondary education. 

Dollars for College 529 educational savings accounts will be opened for Kindergarten and/or First Grade students at participating schools in Lancaster and Richardson ISD. These accounts are seeded with $50 dollars and linked to a student's individual 529 account that is set up by parents or guardians. Families can make deposits at any time in their student's individual account, and families and students also can earn incentives intended to grow their overall total savings. When each child is ready to pursue post-secondary education or training, they can access funds from these accounts to use toward that expense.

Lancaster ISD was the first participating school district for 2018-19 in the Dallas area, with Richardson ISD launching in 2019, with many more to come! 
Dollars for College is grateful for the support of our generous funders and partners, including The Meadows Foundation, Boone Family Foundation, Dallas Social Venture Partners, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, Wells Fargo and the W.W. Caruth Fund at Communities Foundation of Texas. 

Contact Wende Burton for how you can help launch a program for your school.



Click here to donate now!

Show kids they’re worth the investment

65%
Jobs in Texas that will require post-secondary education by 2020
21%
DISD students that currently complete a post-secondary degree within 6 years of high school graduation
31%
Dallas has one of the highest child poverty rates among peer cities

Dollars for College Overview Video

 


Recent Local Media Coverage:
CBS 11 DFW
WFAA Channel 8

Are you a Lancaster Kindergarten family looking to register?

For the first year you are enrolled, Dollars for College savings program will match dollar-for-dollar deposits of up to $100 dollars and your child will also have the chance to earn up to $100 in additional money in the form of performance incentives which will be explained by your school.

Begin the registration process