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Your account number is 415 followed by your student's SFUSD Student ID. For example, if your student's SFUSD ID is 12345678, your new K2C account number is 41512345678.
Starting September 15, 2026, here's how to claim your account for the first time:
- Go to k2c.vestwell.com.
- Enter your student's SFUSD ID, date of birth, and your relationship to the student, then select Search.
- Enter your email address and select Get Started.
- Create a password, check the two boxes confirming you've reviewed the information, and select Next.
- You've now claimed your account. From here, you can claim another student's account if you have more than one child in SFUSD, or continue to your Dashboard.
- Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to help keep your account secure. You'll receive a verification code from either an authenticator app (we recommend Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) or a text/voice call to your phone.
Log in with 3 easy steps:
- Go to k2c.vestwell.com.
- Enter your email address and password and select Sign In.
- If prompted, enter the verification code sent by authenticator app or text/voice call.
Once you're logged in, your participant portal gives you a few key places to manage your account:
- Dashboard: See your account at a glance and set a savings goal.
- Activity tab: View a summary of your account and your full transaction history.
- Documents tab: Generate an account snapshot.
- Transfers tab: Make one-time or recurring contributions, set up Direct Deposit, and link a bank account.
- Settings tab: Manage your bank accounts, account information, and language preference.
Linking your bank or credit union account lets you make one-time or recurring contributions easily.
- Log in to your account online at k2c.vestwell.com.
- Open the Settings tab and select Bank accounts.
- Select Connect bank account and enter your phone number to start.
- Select your bank or credit union from the list, log in, and select the account to connect.
- Confirm your selection and name the account the way you want it to display in your portal.
We use Plaid to securely connect your bank or credit union account — no login information is stored. You can also enter your account information manually if you prefer, using the link on step 3.
You can make a one-time online deposit at any time once your bank account is linked.
- Log in to your account online at k2c.vestwell.com.
- Open the Transfers tab and select Contributions.
- Select the bank account to contribute from (an existing one, or add a new one).
- Select the "one-time" contribution type and select Next, then Review, then Confirm.
Recurring deposits help you stay on track by automatically adding to your savings without extra steps.
- Log in to your account online at k2c.vestwell.com.
- Open the Transfers tab and select Contributions.
- Select the bank account to contribute from.
- Choose the "recurring" contribution type and select Next.
- Set the frequency (monthly, twice a month, or yearly) and your preferred date(s).
- Choose whether to automatically increase your contribution each year, then select Review and Confirm.
You can edit or cancel recurring contributions anytime under Transfers > Manage Recurring.
Direct deposit sends money from your paycheck automatically to your K2C account. Choose one of two ways to set it up:
Online in your K2C portal:
- Log in to your account online at k2c.vestwell.com.
- Select Direct Deposit under the Transfers tab and select Get Started.
- Confirm you're setting up direct deposit from each paycheck, enter your information, and select Next.
- Select Submit to generate your new direct deposit routing and account numbers, then share them with your employer or enter them into your payroll system.
Using the paper form:
Visit sfgov.org/k2c/my-account/how-make-deposit, select Direct Deposit, complete the form in your preferred language, and give it to your employer.
Mail a check using the prepaid envelope provided. Make it payable to "SF Kindergarten to College," and in the memo line, write your student's name and their K2C account number (415 + SFUSD ID, e.g. 415123456789).
NOTE: Checks made payable to your child's name are only accepted if the K2C account number is on the memo line AND the check is endorsed on the back with "Pay to the order of SF Kindergarten to College."
Mail to: SF Kindergarten to College, PO Box 534020, Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4020.
Deposit in person at San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102.
You'll need a Deposit Ticket with your student's name, their K2C account number, and the contribution amount — one will be provided onsite if you don't have one.
- Checks: make payable to "SF Kindergarten to College," with the account number in the memo line. The same endorsement requirement applies as with mailed checks (see above).
- Money orders: make payable to "K2C." Money orders payable to "CCSF," "City and County of San Francisco," or "Kindergarten to College (K2C)" are also accepted.
Set up deposits through your bank or credit union's Bill Pay service:
- Log into your bank's online portal and go to the Bill Pay section.
- Enter and save the merchant details: Merchant Name "SF Kindergarten to College"; Account # 908 followed by your student's K2C account number (e.g. 90841512345678); Merchant Address PO Box 534020, Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4020; Merchant Phone 415-701-2311.
- Follow the prompts to add the merchant and set up a one-time or recurring payment.
Once entered, you shouldn't need to re-enter this information — payments will be sent electronically going forward.
Every K2C account starts with an automatic $50. You can earn more through these incentives:
- $20 Register Online Incentive: Register for the first time, or simply log in to view your balance, once each school year, and earn a $20 incentive.
- $20 Matching Incentive: K2C matches your savings dollar for dollar, up to the first $20 you save each school year.
- $20 Save Now Incentive: For newly opened accounts, get a one-time $20 bonus for making your first deposit by the end of the school year.
- Growth Incentive: Earn a bonus based on your contribution balance — this school year it's 1% of contributions.
K2C's "I Am the Future" Campaign and Equity Incentive
Eligible students (1st-5th graders at select schools) start with an extra $150 on top of the standard $50, and can earn up to $300 more by making two separate contributions of at least $5 each before June 30. Altogether, eligible students could earn over $500 for college.
MFA is required after you register your account, to help keep it secure.
If you're not receiving your MFA code:
- If you previously opted out of texts, reply START to 1-646-762-5079 to turn messages back on.
- Still stuck? Check that 1-646-762-5079 isn't blocked on your phone, or contact customer support.
If you can't access your MFA code at all:
You can still verify your identity with a few questions:
- Sign in at k2c.vestwell.com.
- Select "Try another way to authenticate" underneath the Continue button.
- Select "Need help with your authentication?" underneath the Continue button.
- Select Verify identity and enter your information as prompted.
Notify SFUSD's Educational Placement Center (EPC) and complete their Change of Address form to update the record for each student. SFUSD shares the new address with K2C at the start of each semester. If your child has left SFUSD and you've moved, email proof of your new address (a utility bill, home or renters insurance, or a pay stub within 45 days) to k2c@sfgov.org.
You can switch languages anytime, in just a couple of clicks:
Option 1: Log in, scroll to the footer of any page, click the globe icon that says English, select your language, and click Update.
Option 2: Log in, hover over your Profile icon in the top right, select Security Center, then Language, select your language, and click Update.
Your choice is saved and used across all your devices.
Select "Forgot your password?" on the login page and enter the email address associated with your account. A reset email arrives within 10 minutes — check your spam or promotions folder if you don't see it. Use the link to create a new password.
Password requirements: at least 10 characters, at least one number and one special character, no repetitive characters (like "aaaa" or "1234"), and no obvious or personal words like your username or email.
If the reset link expired, request a new one. If you never received the email, confirm your email address is correct, check your spam folder, and make sure info@notices.vestwell.com isn't blocked. Contact customer support if issues continue.
Online (ACH transfer): 2-4 business days to fully process. Paper check: often processed the day it's received and reflected in your account the next day, though mail delivery times can vary.
If connecting your bank isn't working, try this:
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies.
- Close and reopen your browser, then sign in again.
- Open the Settings tab and select Bank accounts.
- Select Link a bank account and try again.
- If it still doesn't work, add the bank manually: from the Bank Accounts screen, select "Need to connect a new bank account manually?", enter your details, and select Save.
Resources
The State of California recently announced the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS). CalKids helps children get access to higher education, especially those from traditionally underserved communities. CalKIDS gives children in California a jump start on saving for college or career training. To be eligible for CalKIDS, participants must be:
- Born in California on or after July 1, 2022; or
- Low-income California public school student in grades 1-12 as of the 2021-2022 school year; or
- Low-income California public school student in grade 1 in a subsequent school year.
Enrollment in CalKIDS is automatic. Eligible beneficiaries are identified by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Education. No action or financial commitment is required of families to participate.
All participants receive a seed deposit in a CalKIDS account to help pay for future education after high school.
CalKIDS savings can be used for qualified higher education expenses like tuition, books, computer equipment, supplies, and more.
Awardees have until the age of 26 to use funds and must have been California residents in the year preceding their request for disbursement. Payments are made directly to the institution of higher education. CalKIDS funds can be used nationwide and occasionally abroad at community colleges, universities, vocational and professional schools.
Visit CalKIDS.org to register, link your CalKIDS and ScholarShare 529 account, and to follow the latest program guide and updates.
Eligibility has two awardee groups – automatically enrolled with an initial seed.
Newborns (California Department Of Public Health Data)
Born in California, on or after July 1, 2022;
Initial seed regardless of income;
Established when data is received from CA Dept of Health (takes about 90 days).
Low-income* Public School Students (California Department Of Public Education data)
Accounts established for 1-12th graders in 2021-2022 academic year (enrolled as of Fall census day October 6, 2021)
Accounts will be established for 1st graders every school year (enrolled as of Fall Census Day, first Wednesday of October)
*Eligibility for low-income public school participants is defined by the Local Control Funding Formula. Historically, this information has been collected from parents through the Free and Reduced Lunch Form. Please complete any requests from your school district related to household income to ensure you are counted for CalKIDS and related resources.
Newborns
Get started at CalKids.org. Eligible newborns must be born in California on or after July 1, 2022.
CalKIDS receives information on newborns approximately 90 days after birth is registered with California Department of Public Health.
You will receive a welcome letter and use a unique code to register your newly established CalKIDS account. You can also input the “local registration number” located at the top right of the birth certificate issued by the county.
If you have an existing or new 529 account at ScholarShare, you can link your CalKIDS account and the 529 account for that student.
Students
Get started at CalKids.org. Eligible 1-12 grade low-income public-school students must have been enrolled as of Fall census day (October 6, 2021). Low-income public-school students for the 2022-2023 school year
You will receive a welcome letter and unique code to register your newly established CalKIDS account by late Spring or Summer. You can also visit CalKids.org and input the Statewide Student Identifier Number (SSID). You may contact your school district for your SSID. Here's a guide for SFUSD students.
Eligible newborns born in California can receive up to $175:
- $25 (born July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023) or $100 (born after July 1, 2023) seed deposit in a CalKIDS account.
- $25 deposit in your CalKIDS account when you register on the Program online portal. Register to access your CalKIDS account.
- $50 deposit in your CalKIDS account when you link a new or existing ScholarShare 529 college savings account to your CalKIDS account.
Eligible low-income school age children in California public schools can receive up to $1500:
- $500 automatic deposit;
- $500 additional if they are a foster youth;
- $500 if they are identified as having experienced homelessness.
Unlike K2C, you are not able to directly contribute to a CalKIDS account. However, after you register to view your CalKIDS account you can link it to a new or existing California ScholarShare 529 account for that student, so you can see your savings grow over time.
A 529 college savings plan is an investment plan managed and sponsored by a state that allows families to save money for future education expenses. You can withdraw funds tax-free to cover qualified higher education expenses. If you are able to save some of your own money for your child’s future college costs, a 529 plan is an excellent option in addition to K2C.
With a ScholarShare 529 account, you can contribute to your child’s savings by mail, direct deposit and bill pay. U-gift is convenient service for family and friends to also contribute to a child’s college education - there are so many perfect opportunities to give including at birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other important occasions.
Check out the “Save with a 529” section of K2CSF.org for more on the benefits of California ScholarShare and how to save alongside it and K2C.
K2C can answer basic questions if you email k2c@sfgov.org, but our friends at ScholarShare who administer CalKIDS and the state’s 529 are the experts. Here’s where to get support:
- Visit ScholarShare529.com and CalKIDS.org to get started and for frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Join ScholarShare webinars and watch CalKIDS YouTube tutorials
- Schedule appointments with multilingual consultants who are licensed to provide financial advice about investment options with California ScholarShare’s 529 account
- Call 888-445-2377 Monday to Friday between 8 am to 5pm or email support@calkids.org.
- If you have not received a welcome letter with a unique registration code to register your CalKIDS accounts (90+ days after birth or late Spring or summer for eligible students), use the local registration number at top of your newborn’s birth certificate or contact your school district for your student’s State Issued Student ID (SSID).
Save with a California ScholarShare 529 account and Kindergarten to College (K2C)!
You now have option to move your savings from K2C into a CA 529 ScholarShare Account. Families with higher balances or students nearing graduation may be especially interested in this opportunity to maximize college savings.
Once you open an account, the City can wire transfer your contributions and incentives directly from your K2C account into your ScholarShare 529 account. Keep at least $10 (personal contributions) in your child’s K2C account to continue to earn K2C incentives, including matches for savings and awards for participation in contests, while they remain enrolled in the school district.
Open a ScholarShare 529 account at www.ScholarShare529.com or www.scholarshare-espanol.com.
Request to wire your K2C balance into your 529 ScholarShare Account.
Connect your CA 529 ScholarShare account with K2C’s portal to see your student’s balances in one place (coming soon!).
When students leave the school district, K2C accounts must be closed.
A 529 plan is an investment account that allows earnings to grow free from federal income tax when funds are used for qualified educational expenses including books, fees, supplies and tuition at universities, community colleges or trade schools.
Though there are many state 529 plans to choose from, if you open a California ScholarShare 529 account, the City can wire transfer your contributions and incentives saved with K2C directly into your ScholarShare 529 account.
Check out planning and saving for college and comparison tools on California ScholarShare’s website as you weigh your options.
ScholarShare 529 is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, which is chaired by California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Since its launch in 1999, ScholarShare 529 has helped thousands of families save for a higher education and has grown its total plan assets to almost $10.5 billion as of September 2020.
CA 529 ScholarShare Brochures:
- Learn more about the California 529 College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, tax benefits, risks, and costs, please see the Plan Description at www.ScholarShare529.com. Read it carefully.
- Check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice.
- Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss.
- If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a 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.
- The treatment of investments in a 529 savings plan varies by school. Assets are typically treated as the account holder’s and not the student’s. (Student assets are generally assessed at 20% whereas parental assets are generally assessed at 5.6%.) Any investments, including those in 529 accounts, may affect the student's eligibility to get financial aid based on need. You should check with the schools you are considering regarding this issue.
This toolkit is for staff who are conducting communications and outreach about the Kindergarten to College (K2C) program at theCity & County of San Francisco, local community-based organizations, and SFUSD schools (e.g., school ambassadors) who are willing to partner with and support the Kindergarten to College program.
Want to help K2C? Are you a parent or guardian of a child attending a SFUSD school or a community member looking for a chance to help? Join us in one or more of the following ways:
- Become a K2C School Ambassador: A School Ambassador is a school staff person at an SFUSD school. An Ambassador serves as a point of contact at their school, ensuring that parents have the resources and support they need to use their child's K2C account.
- K2C Community Ambassador: A Community Ambassador helps raise awareness of K2C in their community, ensuring that parents have the resources and support they need to use their child's K2C account.
- Want to get involved? Email K2C at K2C@sfgov.org.
Want to spread the word about K2C? We're happy to help! Request K2C materials here or email us at K2C@sfgov.org. We will address the materials to you and deliver them to the school you specify.
The Kindergarten to College (K2C) savings program is excited to welcome classroom field trips to San Francisco City Hall! Students will be able to make a deposit into their K2C accounts and learn about the Treasurer’s Office during their visit. If you are interested in planning a field trip, please email K2C’s Community Engagement Specialist, Teresa Sanchez at teresa.sanchez@sfgov.org.
Effective September 2021
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Kindergarten to College (“K2C” or “K2C Program”) accounts are deposit-only savings accounts opened and maintained by the City and County of San Francisco (“the City”) to help students enrolled in participating San Francisco Unified School District (“SFUSD”) schools and grades save for college or other post-secondary education. A student, their family, and friends, may contribute to the student’s account.
The City maintains K2C accounts at Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”). The accounts grow through contributions, gifts, incentives, and scholarships. Students and their parent/guardian may review their K2C account balance and transaction history online at www.k2csf.org. K2C participants who transfer funds into a 529 ScholarShare Account are required to link their ScholarShare Account with K2C’s online portal (“Outcome Tracker”) so that K2C can continue to provide you information and support.
K2C may send account and program related communication for the student, as well as a parent/legal guardian, by mail, phone, email, or text.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND GIFTS
A contribution is a deposit of funds to a K2C account by a student, family, friend, or another person for the benefit of the student. Contributions are credited to a student’s K2C account and may count towards savings-related incentives.
A gift is a deposit of funds that the K2C Program makes to a student’s K2C account on behalf of a third party, such as a company, and does not qualify towards savings-related incentives.
Total contributions and gifts made by the student, family, and friends may not exceed $35,000. Funds over this lifetime maximum may be returned to the address on file. Active participants with higher-balances or who are nearing graduation are also strongly encouraged to open a California 529 ScholarShare Account.
INCENTIVES AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Incentives include the $50 credited by the City and County of San Francisco at the opening of each K2C account and may also be awarded for meeting certain savings goals or other achievements. Check out www.k2csf.org for the latest incentives offered and related dates each school year.
Scholarships may also be awarded by K2C or on behalf of a third party, often for participation in contests and activities, based on funding, eligibility, and objectives. Check out www.k2csf.org for any existing opportunities available.
Incentives and scholarships can be earned only while a student is enrolled in an eligible SFUSD school or program. All incentives and scholarships are conditional on a student’s post-secondary educational attendance. Should a student’s K2C account be closed or if requirements for participation are not met, any incentives or scholarships awarded, could be forfeited, and return to the K2C Program.
K2C DISBURSEMENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
When a student is ready to use their K2C funds for post-secondary education expenses, the student should visit K2CSF.org or contact K2C at k2c@sfgov.org to complete a request for disbursement of funds related to higher education. If a student does not attend post-secondary education by age 25, K2C will disburse all contributions and gifts to the student; all incentives and scholarships will return to the K2C Program. Students who serve in a national service program, such as the US Military, Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, may defer receipt of their funds one year for each year of service, to a maximum of five years or age 30.
MOVING CONTRIBUTIONS AND INCENTIVES TO CALIFORNIA’S 529 SCHOLARSHARE ACCOUNT
As of September 2021, K2C allows transfers of a student’s contributions and any earned incentives into a California 529 ScholarShare account. For those K2C participants who remain enrolled with SFUSD, a minimum of $10 in contributions must be kept to maintain an active K2C account, retain any earned incentives and remain eligible for future incentives. Without a minimum balance of $10 in contributions, the K2C account may be closed, and any earned incentives could be forfeited.
WITHDRAWAL OF CONTRIBUTIONS FROM K2C FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SFUSD FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES LIKE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
Although K2C is a deposit-only child savings account program and money saved and any incentives received must be used for qualified higher education related expenses, participants may need to access funds they have contributed to special circumstances like a financial hardship or a desire to move money into another college savings account (e.g., a 529 account other than CA ScholarShare). From the program’s inception K2C has allowed emergency withdrawals and beginning with the COVID-19 pandemic has offered greater flexibility with withdrawals including issuing checks payable to the student and, at times, facilitating a direct bank transfer.
Participating students age 18+ or parent/guardian of a minor student may withdraw some or all contributions and gifts in the student’s K2C account by contacting K2C at k2c@sfgov.org and completing a withdrawal form. Incentives and scholarships must remain in the K2C account for post-secondary education uses. A minimum of $10 in contributions must be kept maintaining an active K2C account, retain any earned incentives and remain eligible for future incentives. Without a minimum balance of $10 in contributions, the K2C account may be closed, and any earned incentives could be forfeited.
K2C will facilitate a requested withdrawal as quickly as possible, but the process could take up to 30 days.
K2C ACCOUNTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY CLOSED FOR NON-SFUSD STUDENTS
As of September 2021, students who leave SFUSD or who left prior, are no longer eligible to maintain an account with K2C. Participating students age 18+ or parent/guardian of a minor student may elect to move their contributions along with any incentives or scholarships into a California 529 ScholarShare account. Alternatively, they may request just the balance of contributions in the form of a check payable to the minor child or a bank transfer. Any incentives or scholarships will return to the program unless they are being moved to a California 529 ScholarShare Account. Any contributions and gifts that have not been returned to the participant after one year (less than $15 balance) or three years (more than $15 balance) may be escheated to the City.
VOLUNTARY ACCOUNT CLOSURES REQUESTS FOR THOSE WHO REMAIN ENROLLED IN SFUSD
K2C participants who remains enrolled with SFUSD, may voluntarily elect to close their K2C account. If a student has any contributions in their K2C account, students age 18+ or parent/guardian of a minor student may elect to move their contributions along with any incentives or scholarships into a California 529 ScholarShare account. Alternatively, the parent/guardian may request the balance of just the contributions in the form of a check made out to the minor child or a bank transfer.
Any incentives or scholarships will return to the program unless they are being moved to a ScholarShare 529. Any contributions and gifts that have not been returned to the participant after one year (less than $15 balance) or three years (more than $15 balance) will be escheated to the City.
K2C program rules are subject to change. For more information about the K2C program, go to www.k2csf.org.
K2C, K2C Kids to College (logo), Kids to College, and the Kids 2 College (logo) are registered service marks of The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, Inc. The Sallie Mae Fund, including its parent, affiliates, and subsidiaries, are not affiliated with the City and County of San Francisco’s Kindergarten to College Program. Visit TheSallieMaeFund.org to learn more.
Knowledge Base Videos
The Mayor declared April 26th as K2C Day!
A Future Worth Saving For!
Celebrating K2C!
Update Your Address
Please notify SFUSD’s Educational Placement Center (EPC) and complete their Change of Address form, to update the record for each student. SFUSD will share the new address with K2C the beginning of each semester. If your child left SFUSD and you have moved, please provide proof of a new address, such as your utility bill, home or renters insurance, pay stub within 45 days, or other proof of residency, directly to K2C by emailing k2c@sfgov.org.