Let’s plant seeds for kids to dream.

With a Semillitas account, open the door to your child’s dreams. Our community will support you every step of the way. Get started below. You can look at your child’s account, keep track of the money that is added to your child’s account, see how your child’s account grows as they grow up.

Let’s grow together, dream by dream.

At Semillitas, we celebrate all parents and families in Santa Cruz County – people just like you. As you nurture and raise your kids, we’re here to help. We want to add our support to your child's future dreams.

Look at your child’s account.

Was your child born on or after January 1, 2021? Do you live in Santa Cruz County? Semillitas is a free college savings account for all babies born to Santa Cruz County parents.
We put in up to $50 to start with. As your baby grows, more money is added. When you meet milestones, your child’s account could reach up to $500 by the time they turn 5.

Come to our workshops.

When you come to these workshops, we will add more money into your child’s account.

Here’s what you need to know.

  • Semillitas is a free saving program for all babies born in Santa Cruz County. Your child can use this money for college or other training after high school.

    • We put in up to $50 to start with.

    • As your child reaches milestones, our community partners will add more money.

    • By the time your child is 5 years old, there could be as much as $500 in the account. This will keep growing over the years.

  • Nothing! Our program is free. There are no fees, charges, or hidden costs.

  • It’s easy to look at and keep track of your child’s account. You can get started here. You will need your child’s birth certificate.

  • Once your child turns 18 or graduates high school, the funds can be used for many kinds of training. It can be for college or vocational training. Your child can use it at any school that is accredited and qualified. Your child has until age 26 to use the funds, and will go back to Semillitas if it’s not used by then.

  • Yes! It’s a great idea to save for your child’s future schooling. While you can’t add to the Semillitas account, you can open your own 529 account. You and your friends and family members can add to it. We can help you set it up.

  • Ventures, a non-profit company, will be in charge of the funds. We will put the money in a ScholarShare 529 account in your child’s name. This is our state’s college savings plan for kids born in California.

  • ScholarShare 529 is our state’s college savings plan. It only takes a few minutes to create an account. You can also start to save on your own. To learn more about it, go to scholarshare529.com.

  • Calkids is a state-funded program. It gives a savings account to all babies born in California. To sign your child up with CalKids, go to CalKids.org. Your baby can have accounts with Semillitas, CalKids, and a 529 account you set up yourself! Low-income children can also get extra help.

Join the community.

You can sign up to get reminders about your child’s milestones, find out about events and workshops, and get updates from our team.