ScholarShare 529 Kicks Off Back-to-School Season with $50 "New Kicks" Offer for California Families

Limited-time promotion encourages families to start saving for future education while helping with a back-to-school essential

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ScholarShare 529, California's official flexible college savings plan, is helping families statewide take a step toward their children's future with a limited-time back-to-school promotion that pairs saving for tomorrow with a little help today.   

Between September 15 and September 30, 2026, new account holders can receive a $50 gift card toward a pair of new shoes when they open a ScholarShare 529 account for a new beneficiary. To qualify, participants must make an initial deposit of at least $50, use promo code kicks26 when enrolling online and set up recurring contributions of $50 or more per month for six consecutive months. Eligible participants who meet the promotion requirements will receive a $50 gift card by mail on or around April 30th, 2027.*

As the new school year begins, families are thinking about what their children need for the year ahead," said Cassandra DiBenedetto, Executive Director of the ScholarShare Investment Board. "It's also a perfect time to think about long term education goals and how setting aside funds over time can help make those plans more attainable. This promotion is designed to help parents and caregivers get started building a savings habit that, like their students, can grow over time."

The promotion builds on ScholarShare 529's longstanding commitment to making education savings more accessible to California families and encouraging consistent savings habits. Regular monthly contributions can help families make education savings part of their routine and steadily work toward their long-term goals. And families do not have to do it alone. Grandparents, relatives and friends can contribute to a ScholarShare 529 account, turning birthdays, holidays and other celebrations into opportunities to support a student's future.

ScholarShare 529 offers families a flexible, tax-advantaged way to save for education. Earnings grow tax-deferred, and funds can be withdrawn 100% tax-free when used for qualified expenses. Savings can be used at eligible colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad, as well as graduate schools, vocational schools and trade schools, certificate programs and certain apprenticeship programs. Funds can also be transferred to another eligible family member, giving families added flexibility as education plans and needs change. Qualified expenses can include tuition, books, computers and more.

For more information or to open an account, visit ScholarShare529.com or call 1.800.544.5248.

About ScholarShare 529ScholarShare 529 is California's flexible official college savings plan, offering families a powerful tool to save for education. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified higher education expenses. With low fees and flexible investment options, ScholarShare 529 continues to be one of the nation's leading 529 plans. Learn more at ScholarShare529.com.

Offer Terms & Conditions*

To learn more about California's ScholarShare 529, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at ScholarShare529.com before investing. Read it carefully.  Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss.  TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, is the distributor and underwriter for ScholarShare 529. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. Non-qualified withdrawals may also be subject to an additional 2.5% California tax on earnings. 00038613    

Media Contact: Augustine Agency469-235-9082[email protected]

SOURCE ScholarShare 529