NYC Kids RISE
Save for College Program
Save for College Program
What is the Save for College Program?
The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program provides families, schools, and communities with a way to work together to save for and invest in their children's futures.
It is a scholarship and savings program designed to make college and career training more accessible for public school students. The Program was created so that every NYC public school student can dream big, build financial assets for college and career training, and receive community support along the way. NYC kids RISE, a non-profit organization, manages the Save for College Program in partnership with NYC Public Schools and the City of New York.
How does the Program work?
Eligible children are automatically enrolled and receive a free NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 unless their parents or guardians choose not to participate and opt out. Families can earn up to $175 in rewards by completing steps, and communities can support by contributing additional money to groups of children's NYC Scholarship Accounts through Community Scholarships. Funds allocated to NYC Scholarship Accounts are invested in a 529 account that is owned and managed by NYC Kids RISE on behalf of participating students.
After activating their child's NYC Scholarship Account, families can open and connect a separate college and career savings account that they own for the benefit of their child. Then, they can start saving money in ways and amounts that make sense for their financial circumstances.
Who can participate?
As of school year 2025-2026, students in kindergarten through fourth grade at NYC public schools (including participating charter schools) are eligible to participate in the Program, no matter what their family income or immigration status is.
Because the Program was piloted in geographic School District 30 starting in 2017, every kindergarten through fifth-grade student in the 39 pilot schools is eligible to participate.
When can I activate my child's free NYC Scholarship Account?
My child is starting kindergarten or entering grades 1 - 4 in a NYC public school (or participating charter school) for the first time
You can activate and view your child's NYC Scholarship Account in January 2026! Your school and NYC Kids RISE will notify you when your child's account is ready.
If you already activated an NYC Scholarship Account for another child, you will be able to log back in to Savings Tracker at NYC Kids Rise Savings Tracker and add your newly eligible child in January.
For now, learn more about the Program at NYC Kids Rise or join a virtual workshop at NYC Kids Rise Events Calendar
My child is currently in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade and attended a NYC public school (or participating charter school) in the 2024 - 2025 school year
Congratulations! If you did not opt out of the Program, your child already has a free NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 for college and career training. Take the steps below to activate and view the account and earn an additional $25.
Visit Activate NYC Account. Enter your child's home ZIP code, date of birth, and Student ID Number. Then, click "Submit." You can also ask your school for support!
nyckidsrise.org | [email protected] | 833-543-7473
Frequently FAQ
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What can money in the NYC Scholarship Account be used for?
Money in the NYC Scholarship Account is invested in a 529 account and can be used for a variety of higher education expenses at any eligible institution in the U.S. and abroad. In additional to traditional four-year colleges and universities, other types of eligible institutions include community colleges, trade and vocational schools, eligible apprenticeship programs, and online degree programs. The scholarship funds can be used for tuition, fees, equipment, some room-and-board expenses, and even textbooks, which are often not covered by other scholarships.
How does immigration status affect my ability to participate?
It doesn't! All eligible students can participate in the Save for College Program regardless of immigration status. Families do not need to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for their child to be enrolled in the Program and receive an NYC Scholarship Account.
What happens to my child's scholarship account if we leave our current school district before my child graduates from high school?
Once your child has received an NYC Scholarship Account, they continue to have access to that account if they move to any other public district or charter school in New York City. Your child will also continue to be eligible for all the benefits that come with participating. If your child leaves the NYC public system, your child will still be able to use the funds already in their NYC Scholarship Account, but will not be eligible to earn any additional rewards.
How does having an NYC Scholarship Account affect qualification for public benefits?
Because NYC Scholarship Accounts are owned and managed by NYC Kids RISE, having this scholarship account does not impact a student's or family's application for public benefits. If a family saves money in their own college and career savings account, that asset may impact certain benefits.
How does having an NYC Scholarship Account affect qualification for financial aid?
Because NYC Scholarship Accounts are owned and managed by NYC Kids RISE, having this scholarship account does not impact a student's eligibility for financial aid while the money is in the account. As your child gets closer to college and career training, NYC Kids RISE will provide more information about how using the scholarship account money for your child's education could impact their eligibility for financial aid once the money is spent. There may or may not be an impact. If a family saves money in their own college and career savings account, these savings may impact the student's financial aid package.
For more details about the Save for College Program and additional frequently asked questions, please visit NYC Kids RISE FAQ.
Questions?
Talk to your child's school or contact NYC Kids RISE.
Community Scholarships Basics
Community Scholarships Basics
Through the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program, every NYC public school student starting in Kindergarten receives an NYC Scholarship Account with an initial $100 dedicated to college and career savings. Families can earn more money through early rewards. Community Scholarships are opportunities for local organizations, businesses, neighbors, and systems to work together to further invest in each child's future and show them that their community is supporting their success.
What are Community Scholarships?
Community Scholarships are financial contributions from community members made to students' NYC Scholarship Accounts through donations to NYC Kids RISE. 100% of contributions are allocated directly into, and distributed evenly across, a group of students' NYC Scholarship Accounts. Learn more in the Save for College Program Briefs at NYC Kids RISE Community Scholarships Briefs
and view examples of past Community Scholarships at Community Scholarships Info
Community Scholarships are important because they:
- Encourage families to act and save: Community Scholarships announcements motivate families to activate their children's NYC Scholarship Account online, track the balance, and earn more rewards for their children.
- Build wealth and assets: Community Scholarships provide students with financial assets for college and career training, while building wealth in communities and combating the reacial wealth gap.
- Demonstrate community-wide support of younger generations: Let children know their community believes in their college and career dreams! With Community Scholarships, companies reinforce expectations of success for all children and show families they are not alone in saving for the future.
- Strengthen communities through shared social capital: Community Scholarships unite schools, families, and the community institutions and systems that matter in a child's life. In deepening these connection, we create stronger communities.
Email NYC Kids RISE at [email protected]
