Statewide essay contest offers middle schoolers a chance to win $529 for their college savings fund

PHOENIX — Fifth and sixth graders in Arizona now have the opportunity to add $529 for their college fund through this year’s AZ529 essay writing contest.

This year’s contest, which kicked off Monday, prompts candidates to write about their dream job, as well as how they can make those dreams a reality.

Children can submit their essay to the contest here. Submissions will be accepted through Oct. 5.

How does the AZ529 essay writing contest work?

The contest will hand out the $529 reward to 20 winners. One reward will be given to at least every Arizona country, and winners from public school, charter school, private school, tribal school, and homeschools.

Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who is running to become the state’s next superintendent of public instruction, visited James W. Rice Elementary School on Monday to teach students about saving money and to promote the contest.

“The essay contest really helps them put on paper what that dream job looks like, and the pathway to getting there really is about talking with their family about what that savings plan looks like. And if they haven’t already started a 529 plan, this is the perfect time,” she said.

Another bonus is that the contest gets families to start conversations about saving for their kids’ education, Yee added.

Two children at the school expressed excitement over joining the contest.

Carlos, a fifth grader, said he learned about the importance of saving money for the future instead of spending it right away.

“If I save money, I could achieve some of my goals,” Carlos said.

Elisa, a sixth grader, said she is planning to write about her dream job in the medical field.

“I’m leaning towards a doctor,” Elisa said. “I just want to achieve it by having good grades, just being a good person, don’t be mean, just being nice and stuff.”

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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