SEED

Bayfield County Saving Early for Educational Dreams (SEED) is a local initiative inspired by a nationwide movement to help families start saving early for their their children’s future education and career training. Research shows that children with dedicated savings are more likely to pursue post-secondary education – and that their families often gain stronger financial literacy along the way.

Bayfield County SEED is administered by the UW-Madison Extension Bayfield County Office, approved by the Bayfield County Board of Supervisors, and generously funded by Northern State Bank as a two-year pilot program.

Our Vision
We envision a Bayfield County where every child can imagine a future of opportunity, strengthened by financial education and community support — planting the seeds for educational opportunities, one child at a time.

Community-Led
Bayfield County SEED is shaped by a dedicated volunteer advisory council, whose member bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to empowering local families. Current members include:

  • Blake Ellefson, Northern State Bank
  • Larry Fickbohm, Bayfield County Board Supervisor
  • Jeff Holte, Bayfield County Board Supervisor
  • Theresa LaChappelle, UW-Madison Extension Bayfield County
  • Heidi Ungrodt, UW-Madison Extension Bayfield County
  • Sara Wartman, Bay Area WIC
  • Chelsea Wunnicke, Edvest – Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
UW-Madison Extension Bayfield County Logo
Bayfield County Above Expectations
Northern State Bank Logo
Bay Area WIC logo
Edvest logo

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  • Read more (Coming soon)
  • Watch this video (Coming soon)
  • Contact a local SEED person (Coming soon)

Contact the Bayfield County Extension Office to claim your SEED incentive. #715-373-3285

Be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Contact information of Edvest account owner
  • Name of child (account beneficiary)
  • Birthdate of child
  • Ugift code for Edvest account

Add to the account as your child grows! Even small amounts add up over time.

  • Extension Saving resources here (Coming soon)

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In the future, funds can be used for a range of qualified education expenses, including:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Certain room and board expenses
  • Books, computers, and equipment

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No! If you do not wish to deposit your own money in the account, you can select “check” as the funding option. This allows you to open your Edvest account without making a contribution of your own money.
Once you claim your SEED incentive through Bayfield County Extension, the SEED funds will be added to your account to be the starter deposit. As an Edvest account owner, you can login and view your account balance at any time on Edvest.com. You will receive statements from Edvest and have the opportunity to add to your account later, if you wish.

No, you must wait to receive your child’s social security number in the mail before you can open your Edvest account.

Yes, a non-parent/guardian can open an Edvest account for an eligible child, provided the parent or legal guardian gives permission. The child must be listed as the beneficiary on the account.

Programs like SEED thrive when they’re deeply connected to the services and relationships that shape family and community life. Whether it’s helping spread the word, volunteering time, or making a donation, every contribution helps plant the seeds for a brighter future.
If your organization would like to learn more about partnering with this effort, please contact Heidi at the Bayfield County Extension Office at 715-373-3288.

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