Spellerberg Announces ‘Why I Want to Go to College’ Sweepstakes Winners

Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg has announced the winners of the 2026 “Why I Want to Go to College” sweepstakes, sponsored by the State Treasurer’s Office and the Omaha Storm Chasers. Winners, all seventh- and eighth-grade students, were recognized at the May 3 Omaha Storm Chasers game at Werner Park in Papillion.

“Congratulations to all of the students who took the time to share their goals and aspirations,” said Treasurer Spellerberg, Trustee of the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529). “Whether it’s a four-year degree or hands-on career training, education remains one of the most important investments young people and their families can make. Setting goals early opens doors to lifelong opportunity.”

Three winners were chosen in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts. Because NEST 529 is a national plan, three additional winners from outside Nebraska were also selected. Winners will receive contributions to NEST 529 college savings plans, ranging in value from $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place.

Students were asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through higher education. The following students are the 2026 contest winners:

1st Congressional District – Nebraska

• First: Summer Korth, Humphrey
• Second: Hailey Schroeder, Columbus
• Third: Isabel Hernandez, Lincoln

2nd Congressional District – Nebraska

• First: Ashleigh Hopp, Springfield
• Second: Abby Lovely, Omaha
• Third: Paige Brabec, Omaha

3rd Congressional District – Nebraska

• First: Bentley McHargue, Central City
• Second: Jettlyn Pierson, Arcadia
• Third: Rowdie Lynch, Callaway

Out-of-State Winners

• First: Alexandria Danielle Hain, Fort Rucker, Ala.
• Second: Matthew Jones, Houston, Texas
• Third: Brecken Booth, Bloomington, Ill.

Managed by the State Treasurer’s Office, the NEST 529 program has grown to more than 306,000 tax-advantaged savings accounts holding nearly $8 billion in assets.

Nebraska offers an income tax deduction of up to $10,000 a year ($5,000 if married, filing separately) for contributions made by the account owner. Money invested in a NEST 529 account grows tax-deferred, and withdrawals are free from federal and Nebraska income taxes when used for qualified education expenses.

In April 2026, the Nebraska Legislature passed and Gov. Jim Pillen signed LB 748 to ensure NEST 529 accounts can be used for a wide range of post-secondary credential programs and professional certifications. Examples of recognized credential programs include electrical work, automotive repair, welding, manufacturing, HVAC, CDL training, forklift operation, health care, IT, carpentry, and construction. Learn more about NEST 529 at nest529.com.

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About the State Treasurer’s Office: The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the state’s chief financial officer and is responsible for the safekeeping and management of Nebraska’s public funds. The office administers the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529) and the Enable Savings Plan; manages and returns unclaimed property; collects and disburses child support payments; and promotes transparency in state spending. Learn more at treasurer.nebraska.gov, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

About NEST 529

NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank and 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 Education Savings Plans, which have over 300,000 accounts. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About Union Bank and Trust Company

Founded in 1917 with more than 50 years of family ownership, Union Bank and Trust Company 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 $9 billion and trust assets of $45.5 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025. Voters have chosen Union Bank and Trust Company as Best Bank, Best Work Environment, and Best Financial Planner in Lincoln for 14 years running.

Important Legal Information

An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and the NEST Direct College Savings Plan Program Disclosure Statement (issuer’s official statement), which can be obtained at NEST529.com and should be read carefully before investing. You can lose money by investing in an Investment Option. Each of the Investment Options involves investment risks, which are described in the Program Disclosure Statement.

An investor should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s 529 plan. Investors should consult their tax advisor, attorney, and/or other advisor regarding their specific legal, investment, or tax situation.

The NEST Direct College Savings Plan (the “Plan”) is sponsored by the State of Nebraska, administered by the Nebraska State Treasurer, and the Nebraska Investment Council provides investment oversight. Union Bank and Trust Company serves as Program Manager for the Plan. Union Bank and Trust Company is registered as a municipal advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). The Plan offers a series of Investment Options within the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust (the “Trust”), which offers other Investment Options not affiliated with the Plan. The Plan is intended to operate as a qualified tuition program.

Except for investments made by a Plan participant in the Bank Savings Underlying Investment up to the limit provided by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance, neither the principal contributed to an account, nor earnings thereon, are guaranteed or insured by the State of Nebraska, the Nebraska State Treasurer, the Nebraska Investment Council, the Trust, the Plan, any other state, any agency or instrumentality thereof, Union Bank and Trust Company, the FDIC, or any other entity. Investment returns are not guaranteed. Account owners in the Plan assume all investment risk, including the potential loss of principal.