العربية / বাংলা / 中文 / Français / Kreyòl ayisyen / 한국어 / Русский / Español / اردو
$30M — And Counting — Saved For College and Career
Dear New Yorkers,
When I talk about reimagining education, I often think of the real-world skills our children need to thrive in today’s society. One practical skill that is critically important—and too often overlooked—is financial literacy, which ranges from how to create a budget to how to invest in the stock market.
We teach our high schoolers personal finance in a number of ways. Our career connected learning programs, such as FutureReady, Modern Youth Apprenticeship, and CTE, all incorporate financial literacy, as do many other schools, whether during advisory, via themed workshops, or using innovative online platforms.
But we know these skills are not just for high schoolers. That’s why, in NYC Public Schools, financial literacy begins as early as kindergarten. Two years ago, we expanded the Save For College Program citywide in partnership with NYC Kids RISE and the City. Today, over 200,000 elementary students have NYC Scholarship Accounts with nearly $30 million (and counting!) for college and career training. This means nearly every kindergarten, first, and second grader in NYCPS has a free account, with an initial $100 investment from the City.
It is never too soon to start saving, and I encourage all our families with students in grades K-2: activate your child’s account today. To learn more, check out these family resources, watch this welcome video, or attend a Zoom information session with live interpretation in your language.
Now for our high schoolers, saving for college or career training can feel even more pressing. But we are here to support. NYCPS offers free, one-on-one virtual advising sessions for high school families, led by trained, multilingual educators, on Tuesdays through Fridays, from 5-8pm. These advisors can also help students complete the FAFSA® form and apply for New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program.
Families and NYCPS staff, I urge you to talk to your students about these critical action steps, especially as the season for college and career decision-making approaches. And know that whether your student is a kindergartener or a 12th grader, we are here to help them save for their futures—and to bring those financial literacy skills wherever life takes them.
Soaring high,
David C. Banks
Chancellor
Our Spotlight Video:
Time to apply to #FAFSA! 💸 This year, you only need to fill out 36 questions to get financial aid towards your college path. Make sure… | Instagram
For translations, please visit our YouTube page.
Follow us online at X, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest NYCPS news.
And here’s the weekly video from Mayor Eric Adams. If you’re interested in receiving updates directly from the Mayor’s Office, please click here.