Futures 253

Investing in my future, today

Futures 253 is a TPS initiative in partnership with the Tacoma Education Dream Fund (TEDF) and local financial and community organization. It is designed to help students build long-term financial wellness through investing. Students complete a financial literacy and investing module, learn about concepts such as compound growth, retirement savings, and Roth IRAs, and then have the opportunity to open and fund a Roth IRA with earned income from an employer (requiring a W2). Students who complete the program requirements are also eligible for an incentive grant through our partnership with the Tacoma Education Dream Fund.

The Futures 253 program is powered by the Beverly Haughton IRA Partnership Fund and includes partnerships with TAPCO Credit Union, and Wells Fargo Bank. The program is also supported and endorsed by the Black Collective, Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC), and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, Futures 253 is primarily designed as an independent student experience rather than a standalone classroom course. However, there is certainly an opportunity for teachers, counselors, and other adults to support students through the process. The learning modules are online and are most appropriate for secondary students, particularly high school students.

Students gain practical knowledge about:

Budgeting and saving
Investing fundamentals
Compound interest and long-term wealth building
Retirement planning
How Roth IRAs work

How does Futures 253 work?

Step 1: Submit Interest Form

Step 2: Complete Financial Learning Module

Step 3: Write Reflection

Step 4: Open & Fund Your Account

Students can open an account with the financial institution of their choice. Futures 253 has partnered with local organizations, if you choose to open an account with a partner, follow the steps outlined to open a Roth IRA account.

Instructions for opening an account with TAPCO Credit Union:

Where to go: Opening an investment account can be done in-person, at any TAPCO location. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. You can expect it to take around 30 minutes. If you need language assistance, please call ahead.
Types of accounts: TAPCO offers an IRA savings and 30-month IRA certificate. If you are not a TAPCO member, you will need to open a savings account to establish membership. Savings accounts do not have fees, but a minimum $25 balance is required. While TAPCO's website indicates that individuals must be at least 18 years of age to open an IRA account, TAPCO is making an exception for students participating in the Futures 253 program. Eligible students may open a Roth IRA through the program even if they have not yet reached age 18.
Initial deposit: The initial deposit of $150 to open an investment account can be made by cash, debit card, check or transfer from an existing TAPCO account.
What to bring: Students should bring a valid government issued identification and their Social Security number. There is no citizenship requirement, but a W 8BEN may be required for non U.S. persons. Parent or guardian are not required to be present. Students are encouraged to think about who will be listed as a beneficiary on their IRA. Their full name is required. Date of birth and address are not required, but are helpful.
Questions? All branch employees are familiar with Futures 253, and Senior Member Services Representatives will assist in opening accounts. General questions can be directed to Richard Stirgus, Vice President of Community Relations, richard.stirgus@tapcocu.org.

Instructions for opening an account with Wells Fargo are coming soon!

Step 5: Submit Proof of Account

Once all steps are completed:

What is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) are tax-advantaged investment accounts that individual investors can open to help save for retirement. You, the investor, can choose a vendor and the vendor provides a choice of investment options, typically various mutual funds.

Roth IRA: Contributions are not tax-deductible but are made with after-tax dollars. Income earned on the account, from interest, dividends or capital gains, and withdrawals are generally tax-free.

Learn more about IRAs on Investor.gov

Have Questions?

We are happy to help! Please contact:

Futures 253
Futures253@tacoma.k12.wa.us

Tacoma Education Dream Fund

Tacoma Education Dream Fund directly supports the Tacoma Public School District as their funding partner and dream collaborator. Community support through partnerships and donations make programs like Futures 253 possible.

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