Targeted Deposits in Pennsylvania’s Keystone Scholars Child Development Account Program

In 2018, Pennsylvania became the first state to legislate a statewide, automatic CDA for all children at birth. In 2021, Pennsylvania achieved another first: an automatic targeted deposit within the Keystone Scholars program to build wealth for financially vulnerable children.

This brief examines the Bright Future Booster and Milestone pilots, two new targeted policy initiatives being piloted for Pennsylvania mothers who participate in WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Based on information transmitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to Pennsylvania Treasury, the state automatically targets supplemental deposits into the Keystone Scholars CDAs of children whose mothers participate in WIC. With the initial $100 deposit into Keystone Scholars CDAs and the targeted supplements, some financially vulnerable children can receive up to $525 for higher education.

The Bright Future Booster and Milestone pilots represent important steps in expanding the Keystone Scholars program and serving as models for other states. Pennsylvania Treasury and PA 529 make this CDA policy innovation possible through strong partnerships with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, numerous, engaged community organizations, and several committed private foundations.

Project: SEED for Oklahoma  Kids (SEED OK)