Treasurer Jones’ holds college kids scholarships event, helps students achieve their dreams

ST. LOUIS – Last week, families in St. Louis City attended the St. Louis College Kids “Family Savings Night” to help save money for their student’s higher education.

Tishaura O. Jones, treasurer for the City of St. Louis, and her office helped to organize the event which was host by 1st Financial Federal Credit Union.

The event aimed to give St. Louis children scholarships to help them access higher education. According to Jones’ office, the city has saved nearly $900,000 to place in over 12,000 students’ accounts.

“I did not even consider beginning college savings. It didn’t seem feasible,” Lakesha Dean, St. Louis Language Immersion School parent, said. “With this program, I’ve found money to invest. I’m so thankful.”

ST. LOUIS TREASURER’S OFFICE

The St. Louis College Kids Program, founded by Jones, has helped over 12,000 public school students start an educational savings account. As a result, more city children have been able to plan and receive a higher education, whether it be college or vocational training.

“There is no better investment than the future of our children,” Jones said. “We must do everything we can to invest our children’s education, their well-being, and the future of our community.”

In addition to the scholarships, the event featured an art contest where students were asked to draw what they wanted to be when they grew up or where they wanted to go to college and what they would look like there. First and second place awardees received a $100 or $75 scholarship, provided by 1st Financial and Regions Bank.

Jones’ office reported that 70 students deposited $20 bonus bucks for attending last week’s event, $1,981 total deposits were made on site, including personal deposits made by family members, and there were 8 winners of the art contest.

Winning art from the March 2019 Family Savings Night, drawn by students in kindergarten through 3rd grade. (ST. LOUIS TREASURER’S OFFICE)

Children in a public or charter school in St. Louis City who are enrolled in Kindergarten through Third Grade has a Colleg Kids savings account. Each account begins with $50 from residual parking revenue, and grows from families personal deposits, incentives for good attendance, and donations from the public.

FEATURE IMAGE/College Kids Art Contest Winners with adult judges, from left: Alderwoman Sharon Tyus, 1st Financial Federal Credit Union CEO Carol Minges, St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, and Regions Bank CEO Mike Hart/CITY OF ST. LOUIS TREASURER’S OFFICE

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