Aspire529 money addresses education related expenses

Delaware Treasurer Colleen Davis announced that Aspire 529, a program for youth in or aging out of the foster care system to help them pay for expenses related to college or vocational training, has made its 2023 awards.

This year, five individuals received $529 after applying for the program and completing personal financial coaching from trained, skilled professionals through a partnership with $tand By Me®.

“Providing financial help in these situations is only half of the solution,” Treasurer Davis said. “Helping these young men and women learn the proper way to handle the money is what gives it extra value.”

This year’s awardees, two from New Castle County and three from Kent, plan to use the money for expenses including transportation to school, supplies, housing, and childcare.

The Office of the State Treasurer, along with the Delaware Plans Management Board, created Aspire 529 in 2022 after considering the obstacles faced by many youths aging out of the foster care system. Statistics show that only approximately 20% of foster youth who graduate high school hope to attend college, and just 3% earn a college degree.

“I am grateful to the Plans Management Board for authorizing the funds for the program,” Davis said. “Anything we can do to make higher education more accessible is important to do. Providing a bit of relief with paying for things like books, transportation, or even childcare could be the deciding factor for many considering continuing their schooling.”

The Aspire 529 Program will open its next round of funding in June of 2024.

Delaware becomes 15th state to launch prize-linked savings program

DOVER, Del. — Governor John Carney today signed House Bill 31, making Delaware the 15th state to launch a prize-linked savings program to encourage Delawareans, especially low-income and first-time savers, to make regular deposits into their accounts. Delaware also became the 22nd state to enact legislation allowing financial institutions to participate in such programs.

House Bill 31 was sponsored by Representative Sean Matthews and Senator Bryan Townsend, along with Representative Helene Keeley and Senator Cathy Cloutier. Under the legislation, savers will start out with a small deposit into a savings account. Each time they add to it, their chances to win one of many cash prizes increases. With each deposit, account holders will be entered into the pool to win — similar to buying a ticket for a raffle. The chance of winning rises as the number of deposits increases. The bill clarifies that such programs do not constitute prohibited gambling or lottery practices.

The bill signing was held at Del-One Federal Credit Union in Dover, which will be the first financial institution in Delaware to launch a prize-linked savings program throughout its 10 branches.

“House Bill 31 offers a unique way to encourage Delawareans to increase their savings and to do it on a regular basis,” said Governor Carney. “Without a sufficient savings emergency fund, many Delawareans across all income levels come up, on average, $1,800 short when faced with a large, unexpected expense. A prize-linked savings program is a great way to save and possibly get rewarded with a cash prize for doing so.”

“As the cost of living continues to climb, it’s more important now than ever to develop a financial plan. We’ve seen in other states that prize-linked savings accounts provide a big incentive for people to put money aside. This new program will help Delawareans build a savings account to put them on the right path forward,” said Representative Sean Matthews, D-Talleyville, prime sponsor of H.B. 31. “Once people start seeing a savings cushion, they will be encouraged to save more. This is a win-win for residents and the state as a whole.”

“With economic inequality reaching its highest levels in modern memory, it’s more critical than ever that we reward good financial habits and make it easier for working people to get out ahead on their savings plans,” said Senator Bryan Townsend, D-Newark. “This legislation is modeled on proven programs in 14 other states and will make a real difference for families right here in Delaware. I’m proud to have supported it and I’m grateful for Rep. Matthews’ tenacity in getting this legislation passed.”

“Finances control so much of what we do on a day-to-day basis. From urgent care expenses to unexpected vet costs, surprise bills can be crippling. That’s why having access to prize-linked savings accounts is such a game-changer,” said Representative Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington South. “This new program will enable Delawareans to learn how to save in an interactive and rewarding fashion.”

“Having a savings account buffer is so important. In the busy day-to-day where there are so many things that seem to take precedent, it is not always the first thing on people’s minds,” said Senator Cathy Cloutier, R- Heatherbrooke. “This is a fun way to remind people and help them build up funds.”

“We are thrilled to offer this enticing savings program to all Delawareans and to join our colleagues across the country who have done so much to boost savings rates in their communities,” said Dion Williams, Del-One president and chief executive officer. The program is currently in development, and the opening date will be announced on Del-One’s website, www.del-one.org.

In Michigan where the program started in 2009, 60,000 people have saved over $140 million with an average account balance of $2,000.

$tand By Me, a statewide financial empowerment partnership administered by the Department of Health and Social Services and United Way of Delaware, is supporting this effort as part of its work to increase financial well-being for all Delawareans. Michelle Taylor, president and chief executive officer of United Way, said the program will offer an added incentive for Delawareans to build their savings.

“We all need a financial cushion to help us weather the unexpected demands of life,” said Taylor. “This prize-linked savings program will make it easier, and potentially more rewarding for people to build that nest egg.”

$tand By Me customers Shamica and Jarad Spencer recently have started to save more each month to support their goal of homeownership.

“Saving isn’t easy, but we know it’s the only way to get what we want, so we’re willing to make that sacrifice,” said Shamica Spencer. “And as long as we’re already saving, why not sign up for a prize-linked savings program to make it more entertaining and enjoyable?”

Information about prize-linked savings programs will be available at www.del-one.org or www.standbymede.org.

###

Wilmington, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights the work of Stand By Me, a financial empowerment program that recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.

“Delaware’s economy continues to get stronger, with a low unemployment rate and record job creation that leads the region. However, at a time of rapid economic changes, many people continue to struggle with financial insecurity. ,” Governor Markell said. “Stand By Me is a great example of how the private and public sectors can work together at a time when government has fewer resources to deploy. By empowering people financially, we ensure they can focus on working hard to get ahead and care for their families. And that keeps Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/wQYl3dmi-yM
Delaware.Gov:http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Empowering Delawareans to be Financially Literate and Grow Our Economy

(DOVER, Del.) –  Governor Jack Markell has announced the availability of a fourth round of grants to promote financial and economic literacy among Delawareans of all ages through the state’s Financial Literacy Education Fund (FLEF).

“The Financial Literacy Education Fund was established to help Delawareans reach their financial potential through education on how to wisely budget, save, invest and generally plan for the future,” said Governor Jack Markell. “In the first three years of the program, and through a variety of organizations and teaching methods, hundreds of Delawareans have been given powerful tools to be able to take control of their finances.”

In 2013, 19 organizations throughout Delaware received support through the FLEF. During his administration, Governor Markell has also launched Stand by Me, a partnership with United Way of Delaware that gives Delawareans access to a Personal Financial Coach and a toolkit to navigate the challenges leading to personal financial security.

Non-profit organizations and K-12 schools throughout Delaware are eligible to apply for a total of $275,000 to support programs that meet criteria established by the Office of the State Bank Commissioner and the Department of Education. Funding for the program is derived from a license fee charged to businesses that make high-cost payday loans and car title loans.

Proposals for competitive grants will be considered on the basis of how they improve the financial literacy of Delawareans. The State is particularly interested in funding proactive, preventive, and forward-thinking proposals. Applications for programs and services designed to reach populations or geographic regions within the State that have had limited access to financial literacy programs are encouraged, with special emphasis on reaching out to members of the military, seniors and minority communities.

All schools recognized by the Delaware Department of Education and nonprofit organizations within the State of Delaware that have a 501(c)(3) designation by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to apply. The Fund has one competitive Program Grant cycle each year. A grants committee will oversee all grant-making.

Grant applications are due by June 6, 2014 and must be completed using the form available at banking.delaware.gov. Forms should be sent to Dawn Hollinger at the Office of the State Bank Commissioner (dawn.hollinger@delaware.gov) along with any attachments. Receipt of grant applications will be confirmed within 3 business days. If applicants do not receive confirmation, they should contact Dawn Hollinger at 302-739-4235 and resubmit their applications.

Contact: Tammy Stock at (302) 857-3038 or tamara.stock@delaware.gov  Delaware Department of State, Chief, Community Relations.