I Can Save Program

Beyond Housing’s unique landmark program is part of a national pilot to test the progress of children who are given opportunity, education, and empowerment.  It operates under the premise that children who have a reasonable opportunity to build assets do so.  Children are given $250 for a Commerce Bank Savings Account at the beginning of their involvement with the “I Can Save” program, and they, along with their families, learn how to save and manage their finances.  Children and their families contribute to their savings fund, and at the end of the program, savings up to $1500 are matched!  The savings and match dollars will be used to open a Missouri 529 plan for each child. When the child graduates high school, he or she will already have a nest egg for higher education. 

The following important components are what make “I Can Save” an effective program:

  • In class, students learn about decision making from the Financial Fitness for Life developed by the National Council on Economic Education.
  • After school, kids can participate in the I Can Save Club once per week.
  • Students learn about the history of money, play games like Service Charades, and experience being an entrepreneur by designing their own businesses.

“Children who have a nest egg for an education, home, or other dream are more likely to make sound financial decisions than children who face the world feeling impoverished and disempowered,” said Chris Krehmeyer, Executive Director of Beyond Housing.  “That’s what this program endeavors to achieve – the opportunity for children to have a healthy start on life.”

While students are saving and learning about money, their parents or guardians also have opportunities to receive financial education. I Can Save offers workshops developed from the National Council on Economic Education’s curriculum “Your Credit Counts Challenge,” including:

  • How to Earn Income & Create a Budget
  • Getting Your Credit in Shape
  • The Basics of Homeownership
  • How to Build Wealth

Beyond Housing’s “I Can Save” is one of 12 programs out of over 150 chosen to participate in the nationwide Saving for Education, Entrepreneurship and Downpayment (SEED) Initiative. SEED is designed to test and impel asset-building for children in the United States and is organized by the Corporation for Enterprise Development. 

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Eric Zegel, IDA Services Manager, at (314) 533-0600, extension 41 or ezegel@beyondhousing.org.