baby

Brilliant Baby

The Brilliant Baby program supports children’s early healthy development and school-readiness by setting up college savings accounts for babies, offering financial coaching to parents and caregivers, and building a supportive community with the whole family.

Start Saving for College Now!

Start Saving for College Now!

  • $500 College Savings Accounts
  • Program Orientation
  • Financial Literacy Classes
  • 1:1 Financial Coaching
  • Connections to Resources
  • Stipends & Feedback Incentives
  • Educational Workshops
  • Information about CalKids
  • Bimonthly Newsletters
  • Informative Social Media Posts
  • Customer Service Support

Is My Baby Eligible for Brilliant Baby?

1

Baby’s Age

Your baby is 3 years old or younger.

2

Location

Your baby currently lives in Oakland and was born in Alameda County.

3

Income Eligible

Your household meets income eligibility for Medi-Cal, WIC, SNAP or TANF.

Check Medi-Cal Eligibility

If you meet ALL of these eligibility requirements, please click below to sign-up for an enrollment appointment:

For Brilliant Baby Enrollment Partners

Log in here to access the Brilliant Baby Enrollment Portal.

Brilliant Baby College Savings Account

Each child enrolled in Brilliant Baby receives a 529 College Savings Account seeded with $500. These college savings accounts are held at my529, one of the top college savings companies in the country. This money will grow over time and be a resource to help pay for the child’s post-secondary school expenses.

Brilliant Baby Financial Literacy and Coaching Program

Brilliant Baby offers financial literacy classes followed by 1:1 financial coaching to help new enrollees to pursue their hopes and dreams for their families with an eye towards sending their kids to college one day.

Program Highlights of Events and Workshops

  • Oakland Promise Brilliant Baby on Univision

  • December Family Leadership Group

  • Early Development Instrument

Our Impact by the Numbers

2,581

Have a College Savings Account seeded with $500

70% of families

Participate in Financial Coaching

86% of BB parents

Brilliant Baby makes me feel my child can pursue education after high school

87% of children

Are preparing to be first-generation college graduates

85% of parents

Brilliant Baby makes me feel empowered to plan for my financial future.

$1,643,381.49

Collectively invested for post-secondary education

Brilliant Baby Workshops

Brilliant Baby helps families set their children on a path towards kindergarten readiness and ultimately a future that includes college! Our program materials and events are available in multiple languages. 

We host monthly orientation meetings for new families as the first step in our Financial Literacy and Coaching program. We also offer monthly educational workshops called Community Connections. Participants learn about child development, how to support early literacy skills, and other resources available to Oakland families. Most events are hosted on Zoom, with occasional in-person opportunities.



Brilliant Baby Newsletters & Social Media

Families that sign up for Brilliant Baby receive bimonthly e-newsletters with program highlights, registration links for events, and tips on parenting, educational and financial topics. They are also posted on our website for everyone to enjoy! Click “View Newsletter” to read a few.

Follow us on Instagram @brilliantbabyop! There is a lot of useful information for families with children ages 0-5. Enrolled Brilliant Baby families may also join our private Facebook group. When you ask to join, we’ll confirm your identity then welcome you to the group.

Meet the Brilliant Baby Team

Aiyani Scott

Program Coordinator, Brilliant Baby

Deprece Bonilla

Program Associate, Brilliant Baby

Diego Pinto

Senior Program Manager, Brilliant Baby

Joci Kelleher

Director, Brilliant Baby

Kadeef Salaam

Program Associate, Brilliant Baby

Yabnely Lara

Program Coordinator, Brilliant Baby

Brilliant Baby Partners

Brilliant Baby partners with early childhood programs, pediatric clinics, and other social service providers that bring critical resources to families with new babies and toddlers.

Interested in becoming a partner?

Email [email protected] or call: (510) 858-6054

Follow us on Social Media (and Watch our Videos)

Find Out How To Get Involved

We need mentors, volunteers, donors, champions and partners to help us to create more impact for Oakland’s youth. Please note that the mentor recruitment season is open for the 2022 - 2023 academic year. You can make a difference in a young person's life!

Testimonials

"We didn't know anything about finances and so didn't know how to save. [The coach] helped us grow and learn to save money. Yesterday when the attorney called to tell us we need $600 for our legal residency application, we felt good that we already have $400 and only need another $200 to pay this bill.” (Translated from a Spanish language survey)

BB Financial Coaching Client

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The Brilliant Baby program means a lot to me and my family. It is the best program. It helps me a lot financially [and] mentally because we are thinking better for the future of our son. The resources they gave us were very helpful. We are very happy with the Brilliant Baby staff. Very attentive kind we love you, thank you very much. (A Parent - Translated from Spanish)

A BB Parent

Quote is Translated from Spanish

"Through financial coaching and joining this program, I've met more moms, learned more about money management, gained life skills, and overall have a better future." (Translated from a Cantonese language survey)

BB Financial Coaching Client

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Video Testimonial

Reach out to the Brilliant Baby Team

Do you have any questions about BB? Please fill out this form and a member of our team will be in touch.