A national study found that even having small savings accounts can significantly increase college enrollment and success for low- and middle-income students. With that goal in mind, Advancing Modoc has launched a program to teach kids about money and assist them with their financial planning for college and beyond. Advancing Modoc secured a $275,000 grant from the California Student Aid Commission and partnered with Pacific Crest Credit Union to promote financial literacy, youth savings accounts, and established a 529 account with Scholarshare for every public-school kindergartener in Modoc County.
Advancing Modoc is centered in community and focused on equity. Advancing Modoc values and respects each individual as worthy of investment and as an important member of the community and brings that intentionality and care to every program, project, and collaboration. Modoc County is home to many people with disabilities and to three Indigenous tribes living on their ancestral lands – not immune from the health, wellness, and educational outcomes of most native populations in the US. It takes intentional effort and care to fix the historic discrimination and wrongs suffered.
In 2022, Advancing Modoc received a grant to provide GSK STEM in the Summer, a science education program offered in partnership with The Franklin Institute. ATer receiving the GSK STEM in the Summer grant, Advancing Modoc partnered with Modoc County Public Health to bring the Junior Master Gardener program to Fort Bidwell students. The Junior Master Gardener program engages children in learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and encourage service to others.
Photos Courtesy of Advancing Modoc
