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On March 3, SoarMA representatives, Nicole Lynch and Keenan Grooms will be holding a presentation at the ACCL. The event will be open to the public and will take place from 11 AM - 1 PM.
SoarMA is a two-year pilot program, that offers seventh grade students seed-funded savings accounts. This initiative is designed to help low-income Massachusetts children and families save for postsecondary education and training. The program, funded through public-private partnerships, will provide a matched savings program and a financial education curriculum. These 529 college savings accounts will be offered through the Office of the Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) and Inversant. The SoarMA program will be opened to all eligible seventh graders enrolled in the following middle schools starting in the 2017–2018 school year: Consentino Middle School (Haverhill), Stoklosa Middle School (Lowell), Reid Middle School (Pittsfield), South End Middle School (Springfield), and Worcester East Middle School (Worcester).
Click here to go to SoarMA website
Nicole Lynch is the Community Engagement Organizer for the Office of Economic Empowerment under State Treasurer Deb Goldberg. As a resident of Lowell’s Acre Neighborhood, Nicole works on a program called SoarMA that helps families think about, plan, and save for college through educational workshops and 529 college savings accounts. If you are interested in learning more, Nicole is always open to meeting with families about the program. Nicole has her degree in Sociology from UMass Lowell, and likes to read, write, cook, and practice yoga.
Keenen Grooms is the Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General. He oversees Treasurer Goldberg’s new college savings pilot program for the Commonwealth. The initiative is the first of its kind in the country, designed specifically to help low-income Massachusetts children and families save for postsecondary education and training through a 529 investment plan. Previously, Keenen led the marketing and communications at The Partnership, Inc. the Boston-based organization that provides leadership development programs for professionals of color at the highest levels of business and industry.A graduate of Villanova University, Keenen is passionate about economic policy, Boston history, and all things New England sports.