CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – State Treasurer Larry Pack is reminding West Virginia students and teachers of the December 12 deadline to submit entries for the statewide 2025-2026 SMART529 “When I Grow Up” essay contest.
The contest timeline was recently adjusted to accommodate the current academic year, instead of the calendar year. Families and educators should note that due to the new contest timeline, there will not be an essay contest from January to February, as in previous years.
The annual essay contest, which was announced by Treasurer Pack in October, gives students the chance to win up to $5,000 in SMART529 savings for higher education. Teachers have the opportunity to win a $2,500 cash prize.
“The holidays are the perfect time to come together as a family and inspire students to write about their future career. We want our children to dream big and truly believe they can achieve anything,” Treasurer Pack said. “Our office looks forward to hearing about the goals of West Virginia’s next generation, and at the same time, invest in their future education.”
In its 19th year, the SMART529 “When I Grow Up” essay contest gives kindergarten through fifth-grade students a chance to win both SMART529 savings for higher education and cash prizes for their schools. Essay entries will be judged among five regions in three age groups (K-1, 2-3, 4-5), making for a total of 15 regional winners.
The regional breakdown is as follows:
- Region I – Beckley/Bluefield area
- Region II – Charleston/Huntington area
- Region III – Clarksburg/Weston area
- Region IV – Martinsburg area
- Region V – Wheeling area
The 15 winners will be awarded $500 invested into SMART529 college savings accounts. Out of the regional winners, one grand prize winner will be randomly selected to receive a total of $5,000 toward a SMART529 account during an awards ceremony at the state Culture Center in Charleston on Monday, March 23. Each winner’s school will also receive a $500 cash award.
Teachers of grades kindergarten through fifth also have the opportunity to compete in the teacher portion of the essay contest. This year’s winning teacher will receive a $2,500 cash prize.
The SMART529 When I Grow Up essay contest allows students to submit, in 200 words or less, an essay that explains what they want to be when they grow up. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and the importance of post-secondary education.
Entry forms for both students and teachers are available at www.SMART529.com. In addition, entry forms were mailed to elementary schools throughout the state. The deadline for entry forms and essay submissions is Friday, December 12.
SMART529 is a qualified tuition program issued by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs and administered by Hartford Funds. Complete information about SMART529 plans and investment options is available at www.SMART529.com.
