College Savings Month
September is National College Savings Month, a timely reminder for families to start planning for the costs of higher education. While college may seem far off—especially for younger students—the earlier you start saving, the more confident and prepared your family will be when the time comes.
Here are two smart ways to start saving for college today:
1. Open A Smart Savers Account
It’s never too early to build good financial habits. Our Smart Savers Program is designed to help children start learning how to manage money while working toward both short-term goals (like a new bike) and long-term dreams (like a college education).
When kids begin learning how to save, budget, and set goals early, they start to understand the value of consistency and responsibility. One of the most exciting features? Students earn cash rewards for good report card grades. By linking reward with academic performance, kids quickly see the value of staying focused in school. They learn that hard work pays off—literally. These early lessons help develop both financial discipline and a strong work ethic in the classroom. When it’s time to apply for scholarships in high school, their strong academic record—built over years of good habits—can open doors to more opportunities and financial aid.
2. Apply for Scholarships Early
Many families wait until senior year to start thinking about scholarships—but by then, many opportunities may already be out of reach. Some scholarships consider academic performance and extracurricular activities from earlier years, and several have application deadlines well before graduation.
That’s why it’s never too early to start exploring options. Fleetwood Bank offers a scholarship totaling $8,000 toward an undergraduate degree, and there are many other local opportunities worth exploring. For more information, visit the Berks County Community Foundation: bccf.org/scholarship-opportunities
