Kalamazoo Times

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced that two Children’s Savings Account (CSA) pilot programs will be granted $1 million for educational endeavors.  

According to a news release by the governor’s office, two urban and rural programs were chosen, Battle Creek Community Foundation and Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, respectively.

“We are eager and excited to lead the ‘SEEDing for College’ pilot in partnership with Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and Renaissance Head Start,” said Angela Benifield, assistant director of Projects and Innovation Lab for Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.

According to the release, the Battle Creek Community Foundation will use the funds to establish CSAs for the Harper Creek Community Schools and Pennfield Schools districts.

“The Battle Creek College Access Network and the Battle Creek Community Foundation are very excited about this award. This opportunity will allow us to continue to grow a college-going culture in our community, particularly for those students who live in more rural school districts,” said Annette Chapman, senior vice president and executive director of Battle Creek College Access Network.

Chapman added that along with fostering the idea of attending college, the program would install a sense of pride in students.

The governor’s office reported that both programs would receive $500,000 to create CSA pilot programs.

“By investing $1 million into the Children’s Savings Account pilot program, we are expanding opportunities and improving outcomes for Michigan’s children," said Gov. Whitmer. “Children’s savings accounts offer an exciting platform to help families build wealth and pay for educational expenses, including extracurricular activities that are critical to a child’s development.”

Whitmer added that her office would continue to work with organizations whose initiatives were to give back to communities to empower residents to fulfill their potential.

“Battle Creek Community Foundation and Wayne Metro Community Action Agency have solid plans to execute the children’s savings account seed money through philanthropy and partnerships that will help Michigan families grow their future savings,” said Kim Trent, Poverty Task Force lead and deputy director prosperity for the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.