Keystone Scholars and the PA Library Association

The PAForward™ Program of the Pennsylvania Library Association through its ongoing partnership with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Keystone Scholars program encourages local libraries to engage families in their communities to save for their child’s higher education.

Starting in January 2019, all babies born to PA families have been eligible for a $100 investment from PA Treasury’s Keystone Scholars program to kickstart education savings.

By helping to spread the word on Keystone Scholars, you are helping ensure that every Pennsylvania child has the opportunity for a brighter future.

Your library can help more families access this investment, including anyone in your community who may not have home internet access.  

About Keystone Scholars

Keystone Scholars invests $100 for every baby born to a Pennsylvania resident on or after January 1, 2019 for their post-secondary education. Child Development Accounts (CDAs) like Keystone Scholars provide assets and motivate families to save for post-secondary education, aiming to improve development outcomes.

How It Works

Between 4-6 months after birth, families receive a letter from PA Treasury with instructions on how to register and access their child’s account online. Once the account has been created, parents simply need the child’s birth certificate number and birth date, along with their zip code to log in to the account at pa529.com/keystone.

Doing More for Your Library Community

Trusted community partners are needed to tell parents about Keystone Scholars. Your library is uniquely positioned and can help more families by:

• Informing parents about the program. Treasury staff are available to join a library event or conduct a separate webinar on Keystone Scholars and how to save for education.
• Helping families learn how to view their account online at com/keystone.
• Reassuring them the $100 account is real and is being provided to every child.
• Imagining their child’s future with them!
• Accessing informational materials, which are available to order or download at com/keystone/resources.