East Elmhurst school kids get college savings boost

East Elmhurst resident Margarita Garcia (right) with her children Angel (left) and Samantha (center). Photo courtesy of Garcia

By David Brand

Margarita Garcia’s two children have big plans for the future. Her 9-year-old son Angel wants to become a New York City cop or firefighter; her 6-year-old daughter Samantha, a veterinarian. 

They are getting a boost to help make those career goals possible thanks to a city initiative that invests in college funds for K through 3rd graders at schools in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and Corona. The Save For College Program, a partnership between the Department of Education and the organization NYC Kids RISE, provides future college funding for all K-3rd graders in Queens’ School District 30  

“Having the means to save for your child’s education is the dream of every parent, to continue their education and have a better life,” Garcia said Wednesday. 

She said she moved to the U.S. from Mexico about 18 years ago to pursue the types of educational pathways she and her family are finding in Queens. “There are many opportunities to study and continue your education,” she said.

The Save for College Program was founded in 2017 with support from the Gray Foundation. Community scholarships that fund 529 college savings accounts, like the ones Samantha and Angel have, are a key feature of the inititiave. Local groups, businesses and residents can make contributions to the program, directly funding their young neighbors’ educational futures.

Last week, the MetLife Foundation chipped in $70,000 for more than 1,900 children in School District 30.

The investment is an example of “how we can show kids that adults from every corner of the community believe in them and are invested in their success,” said NYC Kids RISE Executive Director Debra-Ellen Glickstein.