Kickstart to Career Newaygo County opened savings accounts in the names of Newaygo County students enrolled in kindergarten fall 2018 through 2022 for the student's future college or career. Since Kickstart to Career was created, the program has opened more than 3,000 children’s savings accounts for Newaygo County kindergartners with $50 seed deposits from Fremont Area Community Foundation. The Community Foundation Board of Trustees recently decided to fulfill its commitment to the first five-year cohorts but not add additional students in the future. Instead, funds will be redirected to other educational grants.

 

Students who started kindergarten in 2022 will be the final Kickstart cohort, with no additional accounts being created. Students who already have Kickstart to Career accounts will still receive their promised incentive deposits—up to $650 per account—but at an accelerated rate over the next three years. During this time, students, families, and friends will also still be able to make deposits into accounts.

 

Once final incentive deposits have been made in 2026, funds will be available to be withdrawn for eligible education expenses. Students’ parents/guardians will be notified of available funds and how to request withdrawals at that time. Accounts will remain deposit-only until the Community Foundation approves disbursement.