The BabySteps Savings Plan is Massachusetts’ first statewide seeded college savings account program. BabySteps jumpstarts families into saving for their children’s future college and vocational costs as soon as they enroll.

With the launch of BabySteps, every child born or adopted on or after January 1, 2020 who is a Massachusetts resident will be eligible to receive a $50 seed deposit into a U.Fund 529 College Investing Plan account. Families simply need to open a U.Fund account within one year of their child’s birth or adoption to receive their funds.

Program Goals

Increase the percentage of families saving for higher education in Massachusetts
Deliver high-quality financial education programming to families, building a culture centered on saving for the future and employing prudent budget management
Boost postsecondary enrollment and graduation rates for Massachusetts students by fostering aspirations of higher education

Key Features

Flexibility – The U.Fund College Investing Plan, the Massachusetts 529 plan, is a flexible, tax-advantaged investment account specifically designed to help families save for higher education

Incentive – The $50 seed deposit will help jumpstart each eligible child’s U.Fund account

Impact – Starting to save for college from a child’s birth can boost account accumulation and positively impact multiple dimensions of a child’s life, including academic performance and social-emotional development

Financial Literacy – Financial education services will be provided to all families

Sponsors

BabySteps is brought to you in partnership with:

  • The Hildreth Stewart Charitable Foundation
  • HarborOne Foundation