In 2007, approximately 2,700 newborns from across Oklahoma were randomly selected to participate in the SEED OK research study. Of these newborns, half (the treatment group) received $1,000 in a special SEED OK account in the Oklahoma College Savings Plan, a 529 College Savings Plan. The other half (the control group) did not receive an account. Through SEED OK, families in the treatment group can save for their children’s future and may receive matching funds for their savings depending on their household income. Both groups will be followed throughout the seven-year experiment to investigate the impact of Child Development Accounts (CDAs) on saving for college, family attitudes and behaviors, and outcomes for children.
The SEED OK experiment will be a three-wave survey design. RTI International will conduct the baseline and follow-up surveys. CSD will analyze experimental data following each wave, and lead savings account monitoring research. In addition, CSD will carry out in-depth interviews, which will provide detail and insight into how families think and act in relation to the CDA.
