Education & Student Aid · Surprise rank #319
NYC Public-School Students Get a College-and-Career Savings Account Started for Them
NYC Kids RISE scholarship accounts
Who
For school year 2025-26, NYC public-school students in kindergarten through fourth grade, including participating charter schools; a special District 30 pilot group has a different grade range.
Where: New York City public schools and participating charter schools.
What to do
Start here: Check eligibility with the school, then activate the account using the child's ZIP, birth date, and student ID.
Eligibility: Income and immigration status do not matter for listed eligible students; the program's grade and school scope can change by school year.
What you get
NYC Kids RISE's Save for College Program automatically gives eligible NYC public-school students an NYC Scholarship Account unless the family opts out.
Benefit: An initial $100 scholarship allocation for college and career training, with possible additional rewards after account activation and other steps.
Possible value: The account is managed by NYC Kids RISE and funds are for qualified college and career-training uses, not immediate cash.
Good to know
Important: It is not a citywide account for every grade. Confirm the current school-year eligibility before relying on it.
Availability: Current 2025-26 program; eligible students are enrolled automatically unless the family opts out.
Why people miss it: Families may not realize an account exists because enrollment is automatic and activation requires separate steps.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026