Publication Date

9-11-2009

Summary

This paper explores young children's perceptions and expectations about attending college, and the potential influence of a savings program on shaping children's perceptions about paying for college. As part of a four-year study of a school-based college savings program called “I Can Save”, this paper uses qualitative evidence from interviews conducted in second and fourth grades with a diverse group of 51 children. Findings suggest that most of the children in the study have a general understanding of college and have begun a process of considering higher education. Further, children in “I Can Save” are more likely than a comparison group of children to perceive that savings is a way to help pay for college.

Document Type

Working Paper

Category

Financial Inclusion

Subarea

Asset Building

Notes

Subsequent publication: Elliott, W., III, Sherraden, M., Johnson, L., & Guo, B. (2010). Young children's perceptions of college and saving: Potential role of Child Development Accounts. Children & Youth Services Review, 32(11), 1577–1584. doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2010.03.018

Original Citation

Elliott, W., III, Sherraden, M. S., Johnson, L., & Guo, B. (2009). Young children's perceptions of college and saving: Potential role of Child Development Accounts (CSD Working Paper No. 09-53). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.

Project

I Can Save

Keywords

academic expectation, children, college savings, child development account, school-based saving programs, youth, CDA Symposium

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