Slauson, AAPS honored for efforts to get families to sign up to jumpstart saving for college and career training

This week, Slauson Middle School and the Ann Arbor Public Schools were recognized at the My Future Fund Rise and Shine Breakfast. AAPS received the District Dream Big Award for support that has led to over $1.6 million being invested in the future of our students. Slauson received the School Dream Big Award with the most family permission forms completed county-wide at over 600.

Washtenaw Intermediate School District Children’s Savings Account Coordinator Sara Saylor says she was excited to honor Slauson and Ann Arbor Public Schools because of their strong engagement with the My Future Fund program. “Over 10,000 AAPS students have received My Future Fund early scholarship accounts, providing  them with a jumpstart for saving for college and career training,” Saylor says. “These early dollars can spark important conversations with families and help students see themselves as someone who can go to college or a career training program.”

The program was developed with funding approved by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and provides $25 for students in 1st through 8th grades with an additional $475 for students who qualify for free and reduced price lunch. As of the end of October, $3.9 million has been deposited into accounts, with a total worth currently at $4.45 million.

To take full advantage of the program benefits, families should complete the permission form. This will give students and families full access to all program opportunities that become available through My Future Fund, which may include additional funds for college and career training costs, financial education and information about planning for education after high school. 

The My Future Fund program, particularly the additional $475 deposits, is designed to address educational disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program also aims to increase college expectations for students and families, increase the number of students that will complete post-secondary programs and to encourage more families to build college and career savings and engage with other types of financial tools.