Workshop: Saving for Education

Learn how to make the most of your savings for future education and training expenses using programs available to San Francisco families, including Kindergarten to College (K2C), ScholarShare 529 and CalKIDS.

In this workshop, experts from the K2C and ScholarShare teams will walk you through your options and provide step-by-step guidance. Participants will learn how the programs work together and get practical tips to make informed decisions about saving for education and how to take advantage of available benefits.

You’ll also get answers to all your questions about:

• Saving with K2C, ScholarShare 529 and CalKIDS
• How to open a 529 and transfer K2C funds
• How to check and claim eligibility for CalKIDS

This program is ideal for families looking to better understand and coordinate their education and college savings options.

About K2C, ScholarShare 529 and CalKIDS:

San Francisco’s Kindergarten to College program (K2C) is the first universal, automatic Child Savings Account program in the country. Founded in 2011 by Mayor Gavin Newsom (now Governor) and Treasurer José Cisneros, K2C automatically opens a savings account seeded with $50 in public funds for every child entering kindergarten in SF’s public schools, putting students on a path to college from their first day of school.  Learn more at www.K2CSF.org.

A 529 plan is an investment account that allows earnings to possibly grow free from federal income tax and be withdrawn tax free when funds are used for qualified educational expenses including books, fees, supplies and tuition at universities, community colleges or trade schools. ScholarShare 529 is California’s official college savings plan, administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, which is chaired by California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. Learn more at www.scholarshare529.com and www.scholarshare-espanol.com.

CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts gives children in California financial support for college or career training. To be eligible for CalKIDS, there is a newborn (born in California on or after July 1, 2022) and school-age component (e.g. Low-income California public school student in grades 1-12 as of the 2021-2022 school year or in grade 2 in a subsequent school year). Enrollment in CalKIDS is automatic. Eligible beneficiaries are identified by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Education. No action or financial commitment is required of families to participate.  Learn more at www.CalKIDS.org.

About the presenters:

Mohan Kanungo champions 529 ScholarShare and CalKIDS alongside San Francisco's Kindergarten to College (K2C). Previously, he led innovation and community engagement at Children's Council of SF and Mission Asset Fund (MAF), addressing financial and social inclusion for veterans, immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, and low-income families. A UC San Diego graduate in International and Ethnic Studies, Mohan recently completed his certificate in personal financial planning through UC Berkeley Extension.

Dana Salas is an Outreach Specialist with the ScholarShare Investment Board, where she focuses on educating communities about ScholarShare 529 and CalKIDS.  Her work involves outreach with families, students, community organizations, public agencies, and key stakeholders to increase awareness and access to college savings opportunities. She regularly incorporates Spanish-language outreach to better serve diverse communities across California.