A new initiative is taking root at Murrell Taylor Elementary School, bringing financial education and savings opportunities to students and educators alike. The GROW Program—Generational Resources & Opportunities for Well-Being—is designed to provide scholars, teachers, and school leaders with financial tools to build long-term wealth and success.
The program, funded by Tempus Realty Partners via the Arkansas Community Foundation, establishes 529 college savings accounts for K-5 students, their classroom teachers, and school leadership. Participants can earn financial incentives and benefit from a structured financial education curriculum aimed at fostering long-term savings habits and financial literacy.
Program Goals and Impact
GROW’s mission is to:
Boost educational and career savings through compounded interest and financial incentives.
Increase lifetime earnings potential for students and educators.
Improve teacher retention by offering incentives for participation in financial education and professional development.
Strengthen community engagement by equipping students and teachers with essential financial skills.
“GROW is about more than just saving money—it’s about creating a culture of financial responsibility and opportunity for future generations,” said a representative from the program. “By investing in our students and educators, we are investing in the future of our community.”
Incentives for Scholars and Teachers
Students participating in the program can earn financial rewards through attendance, behavioral milestones, reading achievements, and financial education activities. Teachers are also incentivized, with rewards for attendance, professional development, and engagement in GROW-related activities.
School and Community Support
Jacksonville Murrell Taylor Elementary will receive a $10,000 annual grant to support program implementation and engagement activities. The school’s GROW Ambassador will lead efforts in financial education, student and teacher outreach, and program promotion.
The initiative is supported by several key partners, including:
Economics Arkansas – Providing financial education for scholars and teachers.
Arkansas State Treasurer’s Office & Ascensus – Managing investment mechanisms and financial account reporting.
A Bright Future for Jacksonville’s Students
By instilling financial literacy and encouraging long-term savings, the GROW Program is setting up students for a future of success. Murrell Taylor Elementary is proud to be a leader in this initiative, helping scholars and educators alike build a foundation for financial well-being.
For more information about the GROW Program, visit https://growarfutures.org/. Click HERE to watch a video about the program.