Asset Building Events Events 2020 Financial Inclusion Events

All Children Can Reach Their Potential: A CDA Conference

By •

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT
Location: Unique Zoom link delivered upon registration. 

Seven states have adopted statewide, automatic Child Development Account (CDA) policies, all using the state 529 savings plan as the financial platform. More states are considering a CDA policy, and some city and local CDA initiatives use 529s.

Policymakers, researchers, and practitioners gathered virtually to share new CDA research and statewide-policy designs. Key leaders implementing CDA legislation discussed the positive impacts of CDAs on children and families—especially financially vulnerable ones—during and after the pandemic. The virtual conference focused on CDA policies that use the state 529 as the financial platform.

AGENDA AND SUGGESTED READINGS

9:00-9:20 CT | WELCOMES

Michael Sherraden, Founding Director, Center for Social Development (CSD), Washington University
Scott Fitzpatrick, Missouri State Treasurer

INTRODUCE THE CONFERENCE 

Margaret Clancy, Policy Director, CSD, Washington University

9:25-10:25 CT | MOMENTUM IN STATE CDA LEGISLATION          

While COVID-19 has prevented Missouri and other state CDA legislation from passing this year, interest remains very strong for the next legislative session. This panel features key leaders from states that have passed or are working to implement CDA policies.

Moderator: Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick

Panelists: Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer; John Murante, Nebraska State Treasurer; Joe Torsella, Pennsylvania State Treasurer

Co-moderator: Brandon Alexander, Missouri State Treasurer’s Office

Child Development Accounts at Scale: Sample State Legislation (CSD Policy Summary No. 19-46)

10:25-10:40 CT | Break

10:45-11:45 CT | CDA RESEARCH FINDINGS AND POLICY IMPACTS

An expert panel of researchers present the developments in CDA research and the impact on CDA policies and programs.

Moderator: Michael Sherraden, CSD

Panelists: William Elliott III, University of Michigan (PowerPoint); Jin Huang, St. Louis University (PowerPoint); Trina Shanks, University of Michigan (PowerPoint)

Co-moderator: Sondra Beverly, CSD

SEED for Oklahoma Kids Wave 3: Extending Rigorous Research and a Successful Policy Model (CSD Research Brief No. 19-06)

11:45-12:30 CT | Break

12:30-1:30 CT | THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIPS IN CDA SUCCESS

Public and private partnerships can provide resources, funding, and experience for the design and implementation of CDAs, and build assets for all children. This panel includes state leaders whose partnerships make their CDA policies effective.

Moderator: Margaret Clancy, CSD (PowerPoint)

Panelists: Fernando Diaz, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office; Julio Martinez, ScholarShare 529 (PowerPoint); Julie Peachey, Pennsylvania Treasury (PowerPoint); Colleen Quint, Alfond Scholarship Foundation (PowerPoint)

Co-moderator: Linda English, TIAA – Tuition Financing, Inc.

Statewide Child Development Accounts and Local Partnerships: A Scalable Model that Can Include All Children (CSD Policy Brief No. 19-45)

1:35-2:35 CT | ASSETS FOR ALL CHILDREN: OUTREACH AND INCLUSION OF DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES

This panel features stakeholders directly engaged in rural and urban outreach for CDAs, the importance of saving, and asset building for educational success. Best practices for full inclusion in CDAs will be presented and discussed.

Moderator: Benita Melton, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Panelists: Jody Blaylock Chong, Heartland Alliance; Phil Maurizi, Indiana Youth Institute; Angela Williams, Ascensus Government Savings

Co-moderator: Arielle Milton, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Financially Vulnerable Families Reap Multiple Benefits From Child Development Accounts (CSD Research Brief No. 19-40)

2:45-3:40 CT | CDA POLICIES AND COVID–19

What impact does COVID-19 have on CDA policies currently? What lessons can we learn from the Great Recession regarding crisis and CDA policy? What are the challenges and potential going forward?

Moderator: Michael Bibilos, Ascensus Government Savings

Panelists: Ray Boshara, St. Louis Federal Reserve (PowerPoint); Margaret Clancy, CSD (PowerPoint); Jason Purnell, Washington University (PowerPoint)

Co-moderator: Mary Compton, Missouri State Treasurer’s Office

Child Development Accounts in the COVID-19 Crisis: Lessons from the Great Recession (CSD Research and Policy Report No. 20-11)

3:45-4:00 CT | WRAP UP

Michael Sherraden, CSD

This event is co-hosted by the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis and the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office.

Related

2025 News, Featured News

CSD Research, Expertise Showcased at SSWR 2025

January 15, 2025
CSD Research, Expertise Showcased at SSWR 2025
The 29th annual conference of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) will feature the work of 41 affiliates of the Center for Social Development (CSD) across 72 events. Faculty, staff, and associated researchers will contribute to 11 symposia, 3 roundtables, 16 oral presentations, 5 flash talks, and 30 poster presentations. They will convene […]