Launch of Futures 253 Program helps students start investing now

A new initiative is giving Tacoma Public Schools students a powerful opportunity to invest in their futures. The Futures 253 program is a partnership between the Tacoma Education Dream Fund (TEDF), Local Philanthropy, and Tacoma Public Schools that brings together local financial institutions and community partners to help students open and grow Roth IRA investment accounts while building critical financial literacy skills.

Through partnerships with TEDF’s Beverly Haughton IRA Partnership Fund, TAPCO Credit Union, Black Collective, and Wells Fargo Bank, this program helps students begin building long-term financial security at an early age. The program is also endorsed by the Black Collective, Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC), and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.  Participating students contribute $150 of earned income into a Roth IRA established in their name. After meeting program requirements, students receive a $100 incentive grant from the Tacoma Education Dream Fund to reinforce their investment behavior, an early step toward long-term financial security.

In addition to opening an account, students complete an investing basics course and submit a reflection essay, gaining firsthand experience in saving, investing, and understanding financial risk.

“This program represents what’s possible when community partners come together with a shared commitment to students,” said Sue Elkin, Director of the Tacoma Education Dream Fund. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with financial institutions to expand access to financial literacy and real-world investing experiences. Building these skills early helps students make informed decisions that can positively impact their futures.”

Futures 253 is designed to help students understand the long-term benefits of investing early, including the power of compound growth, and to begin building personal capital that can support future goals such as education, homeownership, or entrepreneurship.

“Financial education is essential, but giving students the opportunity to take meaningful, real-world action is what makes this program so impactful,” said Korey Strozier, School Board President. “Futures 253 empowers students to take those first steps toward financial independence with the support of their schools and community.”

The program also reflects the vision of community leaders who believe in expanding access to wealth-building opportunities for young people.

“My mother, Beverly always believed in the value of hard work, self-sufficiency, and long-term investing,” said Kelly Haughton. “By creating access to early investment opportunities, we are opening doors for students to build financial security, not just for themselves, but for future generations.”

Students may participate once per school year and can select from one of the program’s financial partners to open their account. Grants from the Tacoma Education Dream Fund are awarded after all program requirements are successfully completed.

“Futures 253 instills the values of work, self-sufficiency, and smart financial decision-making,” said Mary Knell, Vice Chair for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking. “These Tacoma students are earning, investing, and learning through real accounts and real stakes. Having started my own career as a part-time teller in high school, I’ve seen firsthand how early confidence and habits lay the foundation for lifelong wealth-building. Wells Fargo is proud to support to a program that helps students build lasting financial skills.”

Futures 253 is part of Tacoma Public Schools’ broader commitment to preparing students for life beyond graduation by equipping them with the knowledge, skill and experiences needed for long-term success and economic wealth building.

TEDF is working to expand the number of financial partners to the program, ensuring broad access and long-term stability for the program.  Organizations interested in joining or learning more can visit Futures 253 – Dream Fund. For students or families interested in participating visit, Futures 253 – Tacoma Public Schools.