CalKIDS Institute at UCLA

California Early Wealth Account System (CEWAS) Summit

Building Economic Prosperity for Every Child

April 17, 2026 | UCLA | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Join us at the Second Annual California Early Wealth Account System (CEWAS) Summit on April 17, 2026 at UCLA to explore how early wealth accounts are expanding opportunities for California children and families.

Leaders across public agencies, education, philanthropy, elected officials, and community organizations will convene to share new research, field-tested strategies, and implementation lessons for strengthening and scaling early wealth-building initiatives statewide, including Child Savings Accounts (CSAs) and Child Development Accounts (CDAs).

The Summit will feature updates and learnings from CalKIDS, HOPE Accounts, and other early wealth initiatives advancing economic mobility statewide.

Conference highlights include:

  • New research on the impact of early wealth-building initiatives
  • Perspectives from leaders implementing CSA and CDA programs
  • National developments in early wealth-building, including 530A Accounts, also known as Trump Accounts
  • Strategies to expand access, advance equity, and increase long-term economic mobility
  • Opportunities to connect with cross-sector partners committed to building prosperity for every child

We look forward to convening partners from across California and beyond for this important conversation and shared commitment to building economic prosperity for every child.

Register now

Event Information

Agenda

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration & Breakfast

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks

Join Fiona Ma and other elected officials for brief opening remarks to orient us to California’s vision for economic prosperity.

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Celebrating the California Early Wealth Account System at 1 Year!

Grasp the full constellation of California’s early wealth-building opportunities and the core principles of “capital stacks” and diversified funding streams. We will then transition to a high-level review of CEWAS Plan strategies, progress to date, and future activities within the context of the major policy shifts currently shaping our environment.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Lessons from the Field: Connecting Kids to Multiple Assets

Discover effective marketing and outreach strategies to increase engagement with early wealth accounts. Participants will gain insights into strategies that leverage technology, pilot innovative approaches, and apply tested frameworks using research and behavioral design.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch & Networking

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Keynote Address

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Milestones & Touchpoints: Newborns through Middle School

Explore current strategies for encouraging parents of young children to access early wealth accounts for their kids and financial education for themselves. This session will also explore what is still needed to maximize the impact on children and families. Participants will also hear a story of impact from a parent who has done both.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Milestones & Touchpoints: High School through College and Career Training

Learn about existing tools and initiatives to help high schoolers, college students and young adults engage with their CaKIDS and other early wealth accounts. Participants will see the robust efforts being made to enhance financial literacy and well-being for California’s youth.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Turning Momentum into Action: Our Next Steps

The closing will highlight core takeaways and practical next steps for applying insights in local community contexts.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Reception

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Poster Gallery Showcase

Kindly note that each individual must register separately.

Early bird registration is appreciated by February 28th to assist with our planning. Final registration will close on March 31st.

All registrants are invited to showcase their work in the poster gallery. UCLA can print posters submitted by March 27th. Please indicate your interest when you register. Further details upon registration.

  • Parking information upon registration.

Hotel accommodations near the venue include:

Interested in Volunteering?

We are currently seeking volunteers to help support the Summit’s success. 

Volunteers will play an important role in creating a welcoming and successful experience for attendees while gaining valuable hands-on event experience and connecting with professionals in the field.

Volunteer roles may include:

  • Assisting with registration
  • Greeting and directing attendees
  • Supporting speakers 
  • Helping with general event logistics throughout the day

Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain hands-on event experience, connect with leaders in the field, and contribute to an impactful statewide initiative.

Sign Up

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