Treasurer Diossa Celebrates 529 Day, Calls on RI Families to Open a CollegeBound Saver Account Today and Receive $300

Published on Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Providence, RI –Today, Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa celebrated 529 Day at the Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport, surrounded by school officials, students, dignitaries, and guests. 529 Day is an annual nationwide celebration aimed at drawing attention to state-administered 529 education savings plans. Treasurer Diossa was joined by Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong.

As part of 529 Day, the Office of the General Treasurer is offering a one-time contribution of $300 to the first 250 CollegeBound Saver accounts opened today, May 29, in partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation and the Office of the Post Secondary Commissioner. Rhode Islanders have until 11:59 tonight to sign up at CollegeBoundSaver.com/Save529.

“The cost of higher education has increased exponentially over the past several decades. As Treasurer, I want to ensure that Rhode Island children from every income level and zip code can aspire to, plan for, and succeed in postsecondary education,” said General Treasurer Diossa. “I encourage all families to take part in this incredible opportunity and visit CollegeBoundSaver.com to open a free account today. I also want to thank the Rhode Island Foundation and the Office of the Post Secondary Commissioner for their commitment to expanding access to education for all children.”

Opening an account is easy and free, and Rhode Islanders can open one on behalf of a child, grandchild, niece, or nephew. Studies indicate that students with as little as $500 in an educational savings accounts are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate college than those without.

“CollegeBound Saver gives families a way to save for education so our kids can reach their full potential," said Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong. “I’m thankful Treasurer Diossa is launching this program from Newport and for the investments the State and the Rhode Island Foundation are making in our kids.”

“Ensuring that every student is encouraged to dream big about their future is one of our core values,” said David N. Cicilline, Rhode Island Foundation President and CEO. “We hope this partnership with the Treasurer’s office and the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner can put some families who did not think college was a possibility on a pathway to the prosperity and generational wealth that we all aspire to.”

“College tuition is likely to be the most expensive cost associated with raising children,” said Shannon Gilkey, Ed.D., Rhode Island’s Postsecondary Education Commissioner. “Earning a college degree is essential for jobs in 2024, and that trend will certainly continue into the future. By investing what you can now in your child’s educational journey, you will help reduce the overall cost of college for them and for you.”

The Rhode Island Foundation will provide $100 for each new CollegeBound Saver account up to a total of $20,000. The Office of the Post Secondary Commissioner will provide $100 for each new CollegeBound Saver account up to a total of $25,000. The balance of the contribution will be covered by the Office of the General Treasurer.

Visit CollegeBoundSaver.com/Save529 to sign up today.