The Aurora’s Promise Children’s Savings Program provides Aurora resident Public School kindergartners with a financial award account through Operation HOPE, an established 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Eligible students will receive an initial credit for a conditional $50 financial award, to be provided through City or privately donated funds. When the student graduates from high school and is accepted into a post-secondary program, and the student’s eligibility is verified, these conditional financial awards will be made available in the form of a scholarship for eligible post-secondary educational or training expenses. The Program will be a starting point for savings reserved for expenses related to post-secondary education and career preparation.

  1. During the initial pilot period, parents/guardians of eligible kindergartners (Aurora students in D131/D129) must opt in by completing a form and agreeing to the program rules (PDF, 298KB) to have an account created for their child.
  2. Through a data sharing agreement, the schools will share enrollment information with the City, who will verify residency and work with our partner, Operation HOPE, to establish the accounts.
  3. Student will receive a Welcome Kit, with a welcome letter, program rules, and an action list.

Requirements:

  • Kindergarteners must reside within the municipal boundaries of the City of Aurora and attend a public school.
  • Kindergarteners in school year(s): 2024-2025 and 2025-2026

Which School Districts Are Included?

  • During the pilot, only D131 and D129 will be participating.
  • After the pilot period, the following additional schools that serve
    Aurora residents will be eligible to participate:
    • Indian Prairie D204, Oswego D308, Kaneland D302, and Batavia
      D101

Complete the form by clicking on the button image below to have an account established for your child. Once their eligibility is verified and an account is established, they will receive a Welcome Kit with instructions for activating the account.

My Child Has an Account, What Now?

  • If you received a Welcome Kit, follow the instructions to activate your student’s account (you can earn an extra $10 incentive for account activation!).
  • Deposits can be made at any US Bank location and/or online.
  • You will be able to track incentives and contributions through your online portal.
  • Make a plan to start making contributions to the account and watch their future grow!