Representatives of the Chattanooga Future Fund presented a community pilot at a Hamilton County Board of Education meeting (date not specified) to place $150 in college-and-career savings accounts for every kindergartner and middle-school student (6th–8th grades) registered in Hamilton County Public Schools over a five-year pilot.

The program would reserve $150 per eligible student (about 13,500 students were cited as currently eligible) as a seed account. Families can claim a reserved $100 on the program website and receive an additional $25 when they open a college-and-career savings account with the state 529 program (Tennessee Stars) or with Pinnacle Bank; a further $25 is released when the family makes a qualifying $5 deposit into that account.

“$150 is not much money when you talk about postsecondary,” the presenter said, “however, this is a seed that can grow over time.” The presenter cited research showing asset accounts can raise aspirations and increase the likelihood of postsecondary enrollment and completion. The program also seeks to help families access state matching programs: the presenter said a TIPS program (for families up to 250% of the federal poverty level) offers a 4-to-1 match that, if fully used, could grow some accounts to nearly $2,000 for eligible families.

Logistics and eligibility: the presenter said the pilot covers about 13,500 students currently in kindergarten, 6th, 7th and 8th grades in district enrollment. Sign-ups open Jan. 23; families will need the student’s district ID or lunch number and a ZIP code to verify eligibility. The presenter said accounts are intended for postsecondary uses — two- and four-year college, apprenticeships, workforce training, books and living expenses tied to education or training beyond high school — and that account withdrawals would follow the state 529 rules and approval process.

Community involvement and launch: the presenter said the pilot is a five-year campaign and that community and employer investments can be added to individual student accounts. A public launch event was scheduled at Red Bank Middle School and local officials, including the treasurer and Commissioner Lillard, were expected to attend.

Why it matters: organizers framed the accounts as both a financial asset and an aspirational tool that can increase college and career attainment in a state where an estimated 70% of jobs by 2030 will require training beyond high school.

What’s next: program sign-up opens Jan. 23, and board members said they would announce the date and site details during the next general meeting. The board did not take any formal action to fund or endorse the pilot during the session; presenters asked only that the board be aware and supportive of community outreach and family enrollment efforts.