First National Bank of Omaha and Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg today announced NEST 529 College Savings Plans’ participation in College Savings Month during a proclamation ceremony presided over by Lt. Gov. Mike Foley in the Nebraska State Capitol.
To celebrate, the NEST 529 College Savings program is highlighting two ongoing scholarship opportunities – the Dear Grandchild Drawing and the Back-to-School Photo Drawing – and is honoring 12 winners in the Draw Your Dreams art contest.
The winning artwork will be on display on the first floor of the State Capitol through September 28. The 12 winners each received a $1,000 NEST 529 College Savings account.
“As the costs of higher education continue to rise, we remain committed to emphasizing the importance of college savings to help prepare for the educational and financial future of the next generation. By proclaiming September as College Savings Month, the state of Nebraska is encouraging family dialogue around this important topic,” said Treasurer Stenberg, Trustee of NEST.
“Ranked as one of the top five highest-performing college savings plans by savingforcollege.com, NEST 529 proves time and time again to be a top-of-the-line savings plan. From our low fees to our diversified investment options and our many scholarship opportunities, there is no better way to support and plan for your loved one’s academic future than with a NEST 529 account,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha. “I encourage all families to take advantage of NEST 529’s scholarship offerings and to join the state of Nebraska in celebration of this important month by opening NEST 529 accounts.”
During September, NEST 529 is promoting college savings through two scholarship opportunities: The Back-to-School Photo Drawing and the Dear Grandchild Drawing. The Back-to-School Photo Drawing, which runs through September 30, offers contestants the chance to win a $2,000 NEST 529 contribution for a back-to-school photo of a child 8 years old or younger. Twelve winners will be selected.
The annual Dear Grandchild Drawing, honoring the important role grandparents play in a child’s life, encourages grandparents to write letters to their grandchildren describing their higher educational hopes and dreams for the children. Letters are due by November 30. Ten randomly selected winners each will receive a $529 NEST 529 contribution to a chosen beneficiary
For complete scholarship contest rules and details, visit www.NEST529.com/scholarships or www.treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships.
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 First National Bank of Omaha
First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.
