For the 21st year, Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante and the Omaha Storm Chasers will be sponsoring the “Why I Want to Go to College” writing sweepstakes, with entries due Monday, April 3, 2023.
Prizes will be awarded to 12 winners who will receive contributions to the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) college savings accounts – including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three winners will be chosen from outside Nebraska.
Families can save for college for their children and grandchildren through NEST529, the state-sponsored 529 college savings program that allows for tax-free investments and tax-free qualified withdrawals. Nebraska account owners can qualify for up to $10,000 a year in state income tax deductions ($5,000 if married filing separately).
Each Nebraska winner will receive four tickets to a Storm Chasers game later this year at Werner Park in Papillion where they will be recognized.
“This event is such a highlight of just how inspiring the NEST529 program can be. It is a wonderful way to challenge students to focus on their goals, improve their writing skills, and learn the importance of saving for their education. My goal is to make sure every Nebraskan has the opportunity to graduate vocational training or higher education debt-free. I’m looking forward to meeting the winners and their families at Werner Park,” said State Treasurer John Murante.
Students are asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through higher education. Entries are limited to 750 words and should be sent to Community Relations, Omaha Storm Chasers, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046.
Information about the writing sweepstakes is available on the Treasurer’s website at https://treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships/essay/college/2023/contest-announcement/.
About NEST 529
NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, the NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, the Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and the State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank & Trust Company serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 297,000 accounts, including over 97,000 Nebraskans. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.
About Union Bank & Trust
Founded in 1917 with over 50 years of family ownership, Union Bank & Trust offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $7.6 billion and trust assets of $43.6 billion as of December 31, 2022. Voters have chosen Union Bank & Trust as Best Bank, Best Customer Service, Best Work Environment, and Best Financial Planner in Lincoln for eleven years running.
