"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." – Warren Buffett


This quote captures the heart of financial empowerment and the mission of Keystone Scholars. Just like planting a tree requires care and foresight, teaching children about money is an investment in their future. When we equip young people with financial skills, we give them the tools to grow into confident, capable adults. Your support helps plant these seeds of knowledge – nurturing a generation that will thrive in the shade of financial security and opportunity.


Keystone Scholars by the Numbers

Keystone Scholars by the Numbers, Accounts: 793,919, Total Assets: $84,618,601, Accounts claimed: 87,674 (11.04%), Accounts claimed and linked to a PA 529: 26,907 (30.69%), Cumulative family contributions $  $157,050,671 Data as of June 30, 2025

Data as of June 30, 2025



Partner Spotlight

CHOP Medical Financial Partnership Impact Report

The CHOP Medical Financial Partnership (MFP) is dedicated to promoting health equity by addressing financial instability, a root cause of adverse health outcomes for low-income families. Since its inception in 2019, MFP has partnered with community organizations to provide clinic-based financial services, ensuring families have the resources they need to be healthy. CHOP’s MFP is a strong proponent of Keystone Scholars, providing information to families on the importance of saving for future education and how to claim their child’s account.

Key Achievements since 2019 include:

  • Tax preparation
  • Financial counseling
  • Benefits navigation

Future Initiatives:

  • Expanding adolescent financial empowerment programs
  • Advocating for the Keystone Scholars program
  • Pushing for sustainable service funding
  • Broadening service access

For more details about MFP’s successes and goals, click here to read the full report.


School District Partners

School districts can play an integral part in reminding families of their child’s $100 Keystone Scholars account and encouraging them to claim their child’s scholarship. Since both school registration and claiming the scholarship require a birth certificate number, it is a convenient opportunity to remind parents about Keystone Scholars. Thank you to the following school districts for partnering with Treasury to include Keystone Scholars in their registration processes.


Selinsgrove School District

Selinsgrove School District recently invited Treasury to participate in their in-person kindergarten registration. Parents were directed to various registration stations including Keystone Scholars where they received additional information and guidance on how to claim their child’s account.

Treasury to participate in the Selinsgrove School District in-person kindergarten registration

School District of Lancaster

The School District of Lancaster has integrated the process for claiming Keystone Scholars scholarships into their online registration system. Parents are instructed to visit the Keystone Scholars website to claim their child’s account while completing the necessary documentation for their child’s school registration.



CSAs in the News

From Cradle to Career: How Cities Can Help Families Save for Education and Beyond

As the cost of education continues to rise, Children’s Savings Accounts (CSAs) have become a vital tool for promoting upward mobility and investing in youth success. Cities across the country are stepping up to launch CSA programs that help families save for postsecondary education. Often built on the foundation of state-run 529 plans, these accounts typically include seed deposits and savings incentives. By encouraging early enrollment, municipalities can maximize the power of compound growth and provide families with meaningful support to lay the groundwork for stronger educational outcomes and long-term economic opportunity. Read more on how cities are helping families save for education, here.


Planting the Seeds of Smart Saving

Save It! a book by Cinders McLeod

Introducing young children to books relating to financial literacy builds a strong foundation for their future financial health. Stories about saving, budgeting, and wise financial choices help children grasp money management early. These lessons, through relatable characters and simple narratives, make complex financial concepts accessible. As children grow, these principles foster responsible habits, leading to a more secure financial future.

In our communications with Keystone Scholars families, we introduced a new book, “Save It!” by Cinders McLeod. "Save It!" teaches kids the value of saving money and understanding finances through the adventures of a lovable little bunny. Encourage your families to visit their local library or favorite bookstore to find this and other books related to children's financial literacy.



Outreach Events

Treasury has outreach staff throughout the Commonwealth to support community fairs, educational events, civic meetings and more. By raising awareness about Keystone Scholars’ free $100 scholarship and emphasizing the importance of saving for education, we aim to create brighter futures. Through collaboration with community members, our goal is to make education savings more accessible and achievable for all families.

To schedule a visit with our Outreach Team or request event materials, contact Karen McDermott, Manager of Children's Savings Accounts at kmcdermott@patreasury.gov.

Keystone Scholars Partner Resources

Our website has partner resources and supplies, such as print, video, PowerPoint slides and e-resources, or you can contact us for in-person and virtual presentations. Let us help the kids in your community start their savings journey!

View Resources