St. Louis Junior Bonds
Helping eligible students plan for and strengthen their financial futures.
Established with a $1.5 million investment from the James S. McDonnell Foundation and a mission to help St. Louis families build long-term financial security for their children, this program is designed for 300 students enrolled in 8th grade during the 2025/2026 school year who meet certain eligibility requirements and reside in one of the following school districts:
- City of St. Louis – St. Louis Public Schools
- Ferguson-Florissant School District
- Hancock Place School District
- Hazelwood School District
- Jennings School District
- Normandy Schools Collaborative
- Ritenour School District
- Riverview Gardens School District
- School District of University City
About the Program
Each selected student will benefit from a share of a $1.5 million fund, professionally managed by Edward Jones. This one-time investment—roughly $5,000 per participant at the outset—is intended to grow over time, with the full amount available for withdrawal beginning in January 2030, once all program requirements are met.
Participants will be able to use their portion of the fund for key milestones like higher education, buying a first home, starting a business, or contributing to retirement savings—whichever path helps them build a stronger financial future.
Learn More and Apply
Before receiving their share of the funds, St. Louis Junior Bonds participants will receive free financial education through MoneyByrd, an online platform. Additional online and in-person workshops will be offered in each of the areas of allowable fund use through Edward Jones, The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, Small Business Empowerment Center, and St. Louis Community Credit Union.
Program participants will be selected in a process designed to ensure equitable geographic representation, with priority given based on demonstrated income level and student need.
