Kindergarten college program to start

A group of Custer and Hermosa kindergartners will get a jumpstart on saving for education after high school this fall. Trailhead Scholars, a new Black Hills Area Community Foundation education program, offers $500 in 529 college savings to kindergartners who qualify for free and reduced meals. To become eligible, families must complete the Custer School District’s free and reduced meal application by Aug. 25.
Made possible by support from a local donor, Trailhead Scholars will open the savings accounts on behalf of each eligible kindergartner at no cost to the family. The savings will grow until the child graduates from high school or earns their GED. At that time, the funds can be used for tuition, fees, and books at any accredited college, university or technical school.
Research shows that children with a college savings account, even a small one, are three times more likely to enroll in education after high school. A small head start like the Trailhead Scholars gift can plant that expectation early, giving kids and families a tangible reason to picture themselves continuing their education.
“This program is about opening possibilities for every child in the Black Hills. Post secondary education, whether at a college or trade school, sets families and children up for success. Trailhead Scholars is starting off in Custer and Hermosa, and we hope to expand this program to kindergartners throughout the Black Hills with support from local donors,” said Chris Huber, President & CEO of the Black Hills Area Community Foundation.
“Our mission in the Custer School District is to educate every student to their full potential, and the Trailhead Scholars program aligns perfectly with that goal,” said Custer School district superintendent of schools Tim Frederick. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous support, which breaks down obstacles and creates new opportunities for our kindergarten students, showing them that college or trade school is truly accessible to everyone. We encourage all eligible Custer and Hermosa families to complete their meal applications by Aug. 25, so they don’t miss out on this terrific opportunity.”
After families qualify for free and reduced meals, they will receive a yellow envelope in the mail instructing them to claim the $500 for their child. BHACF will open, own and manage the savings account through My529, a secure, nationally recognized savings platform. Parents are encouraged to open their own My529 account alongside the Foundation’s to contribute to their child’s college savings.
When a Trailhead Scholars student graduates from high school or completes their GED, the Foundation will reach out to the family to begin the process of directing the funds to a post-secondary school within two years. Any unused funds are recycled back into the program to support future Trailhead Scholars students.
This year’s Trailhead Scholars cohort is fully funded; the Foundation is actively seeking donations to continue and expand the program. Donors can contribute to Trailhead Scholars to help support more kindergartners in the Custer School District and/or throughout the Black Hills. Families with questions are encouraged to reach out to the Black Hills Area Community Foundation staff at 605-718-0112.