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K.I.D.S. program

Ron Estes, Kansas State TreasurerTreasurer Quote:

Thank you for your interest in the K.I.D.S. program! You are taking an important step in securing your children's dreams of an education beyond high school. We are now accepting 2012 applications for the Kansas Investments Developing Scholars Matching Grant Program (K.I.D.S.). To receive the matching grant you must submit a K.I.D.S. Match Grant Program application before December 31, 2012 and contribute to a Learning Quest account this year.

The Governor’s budget recommendation this year included funding for 1200 matching grants of up to $600, but funding is never certain until the end of the legislative process.   We will continue to process applications on a first-come first-served basis, and if you have been approved we will notify you if funding is eliminated. You may continue to make contributions to your Learning Quest account, but it is not guaranteed that your contributions will be matched until the legislature’s budget process is completed. Please visit this website for updates on funding for 2012. The Legislature typically adjourns in late May.

Download a K.I.D.S. application (PDF). If you don't already have a Learning Quest account, you can open an account online at www.LearningQuest.com or download an account application (PDF). Please remember that we process applications on a first come-first served basis, so it's best to get yours in as soon as possible after you have completed your 2011 income tax return. Remember that if you participated in K.I.D.S. in 2011, you must reapply this year.

Learning Quest coupled with the K.I.D.S. matching grant initiative make education more affordable, even in difficult times. Kansans value education and I believe that if you are willing to work hard and save, you deserve the opportunity to advance yourself and your family. The K.I.D.S. program is one step to bring Kansas families closer to reaching their goals.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at 1-866-504-5898.

Sincerely,

Treasurere Estes's signature in blue ink.

Ron Estes
Kansas State Treasurer

Are You Eligible?

Account Owners must be Kansas residents and total Federal Adjusted Gross Income for all members of the participant's household must be less than the amounts listed in the chart below.

2012 K.I.D.S. Income Limits

Household of: Income:
1 $22,340
2 $30,260
3 $38,180
4 $46,100
5 $54,020
6 $61,940
7 $69,860
8 $77,780
For each additional person, add $7,920

About the K.I.D.S. Program

Want to start planning for your child's education? Let us help you! K.I.D.S. - A Matching Grant Program.

  • K.I.D.S. matching grant program will match the first $600 that you contribute this year (applications and contributions must be postmarked by December 31) to a Learning Quest 529 Education Savings account.
  • K.I.D.S. is a program developed specifically for Kansas residents with income less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • K.I.D.S. uses the Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program to invest your deposits and the state's matching grant.
  • Applications must be postmarked by December 31st each year.
  • Applications are limited to 1200 per year and are processed on a first-come first served basis.
  • K.I.D.S participants must also open a Learning Quest Account. To open an account you'll need to either make an initial investment of at least $100 or sign up for an automatic monthly investment of at least $25 through a payroll deduction or from your bank account. Visit http://www.LearningQuest.com to learn more about opening a Learning Quest Account.
  • To receive matching grant funds, participants must contribute at least $100 this year.
  • In January of next year, the State Treasurer's office will review the contributions that you have made to your account this year and deposit the matching grant funds into the account.
  • Participants must reapply each year to determine eligibility.
  • You can receive one $600 matching grant for each beneficiary that you enroll in the program, and the matching grant funds must be spent for that beneficiary's qualified higher education expenses.
  • No need to submit your income tax return this year. Just fill in the Federal Adjusted Gross Income for all members of your household from last year and we'll confirm it with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

More Information About the Program

Use the links provided below to download more information (Acrobat PDFs):

Tell Your Friends and Family About This Great Program

We want to encourage people to share this wonderful program with other Kansans that may need assistance saving for their child's education.

Contact Us

For questions about the K.I.D.S Program or to request additional information please contact us at:
785-296-3171 or toll free at 866-504-5898
785-296-7950 fax
Email us at: LQ@treasurer.ks.gov