What do you want to be when you grow up? It's a common question that could lead to an elementary school student winning $5,000 towards college.
State Treasurer John Perdue announced Thursday at Kellogg Elementary School in Huntington that entries are now being taken in the 2009 When I Grow Up contest sponsored by the Treasurer's Office and the SMART529 colleges savings program.
"It challenges kids to dream about their dream of what they want to be when they grow up. Then it also challenges parents and grandparents to start saving for a college education. That's what the SMART529 plan is all about," says Perdue.
Three grade level winners will be chosen from five regions recognizing a total of 15 winners with a $500 college savings account. An overall grand prize winner will be selected to receive another $4500 in scholarships. The student just has to describe what he or she wants to be in 100 words or less.
"It's amazing what these kids write," says Treasurer Perdue. "They want to be veterinarian. They want to be a teacher. They want to be an astronaut. There're all kinds of things they want to be when they grow up."
Entry forms for the contest and more information can be found online at www.SMART529.com.
