First National Bank of Omaha, Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg and the Nebraska Library Commission are offering an incentive for Nebraska children to read this summer with the NEST Read to Win $529 Drawing.
Children who register for the Nebraska Summer Reading Program at their local libraries and who complete local requirements for the program will be automatically entered for a drawing to win a $529 NEST College Savings Plan contribution.
Fifteen winners will be chosen in the NEST Read to Win $529 Drawing, which begins May 16 and ends August 22.
“Nothing is better than seeing a child reading a book, especially today as technology often takes over children’s free time,” said State Treasurer Stenberg, Trustee of the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST). “I support our libraries and any initiative that encourages children to pick up books, especially if it means a chance for them to win a college savings investment in their future.”
To be eligible, the child must be between the ages of 3 and 18 as of the date of entry and must complete the Nebraska Summer Reading Program as defined by the local library. NEST will select five winners in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts for a total of 15 winners.
“Even though school is out for the summer, that doesn’t mean kids should stop learning valuable lessons,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha. “We encourage Nebraska residents to enroll their kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews in the Nebraska Summer Reading Program and support their local libraries. Not only will the children learn by reading, but they’ll learn a valuable lesson that hard work can lead to rewards and bright futures.”
"Nebraska public libraries' summer reading programs are great opportunities for children and teens to have the time to enjoy reading while maintaining and improving reading skills. They can also enjoy the many fitness-themed activities that are part of this year's programs," said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner. "As places for learning, libraries are a natural partner for NEST-helping to illustrate the importance of children and their parents setting aside money for college education. The Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to join with Nebraska State Treasurer Stenberg, First National Bank of Omaha, Regional Library Systems and Nebraska public libraries to promote lifelong learning, financial education and planning."
The 15 winners will be selected in the random drawing from among all eligible entries on or about September 15.
Official guidelines are available at www.NEST529.com/scholarships and here. For more information on the Nebraska Summer Reading Program, visit the Nebraska Library Commission’s website at nlc.nebraska.gov/youth/summerreading or contact your local library.
To find out more about NEST College Savings Plans, visit NEST529.com or treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/about-plans.aspx.
About NEST
NEST 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 285,000 accounts, including over 94,000 in Nebraska. 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.
About Nebraska Library Commission
As Nebraska's state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-"bringing together people and information." Visit http://booksarejustthebeginning.com/ for more examples of how Books Are Just the Beginning at Nebraska libraries.
