35,000 college accounts opening for kindergartners

RENO — The Nevada state treasurer’s office is opening up another 35,000 college savings accounts with $50 each in seed money to get kindergartners around the state ready for the future.

Treasurer Kate Marshall is launching the second year of the Nevada College Kick Start Program on Thursday with kickoff events at Libby Booth and Lemmon Valley elementary schools in Reno.

The program launched last year with about 35,000 accounts throughout the state. Marshall cited studies that say students with savings accounts are seven times more likely to go to college than those without one. She said even a small amount in the account sends a message to children that they’re college-bound.

Seed money for the savings accounts comes from program manager fees, not taxpayer dollars.