Kicking Off College Savings Month with Student Aspirations
September marks the start of College Savings Month in Arizona. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee is celebrating by launching an essay competition that taps into the ambitions of the state’s young minds. The contest invites students across Arizona to write about their dream careers, with the chance to win $529 for their AZ529 education savings accounts. Twenty winners will be selected statewide, helping them get a head start on their educational journeys.
The excitement is palpable at the Valley Boys and Girls Club, where students are eager to share their aspirations. Sixth grader Bellamar Scott-Ramos dreams of balancing two passions: “I want to be a volleyball coach and a teacher of either math or ELA,” she said, expressing her love for both sports and education. Fifth grader Charles Strand-Flores also has dual ambitions. “I want to be a soccer player and a lawyer,” he shared, adding with a smile, “Because I’m good at arguing.” These young students are already thinking ahead, and understanding the importance of a college degree in reaching their goals.
Statewide Outreach to Promote Savings and the Essay Contest
To ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity to participate, Treasurer Yee is traveling across Arizona, spreading the word about the essay contest and the benefits of the AZ529 savings plan. At each stop, she emphasizes how simple it is for students to enter the contest. “It’s a very short paragraph you need to write about what you want to be when you grow up,” Yee explained during one of her visits. “That will give you a chance to win $529 for your future education.”
Kimberly Yee is also reaching out to parents, encouraging them to take advantage of the AZ529 savings plan to support their children’s education. “We have seen so much growth in this program,” Yee noted. “In just 46 months, 44,500 new families have signed up for an education savings plan.” Her efforts are part of a broader push to make college more accessible for Arizona families, ensuring that they have the financial tools to help their children succeed.
Empowering Students to Plan for Their Educational Futures
Beyond promoting the essay contest, Treasurer Yee is focused on the broader message of the importance of saving for education. Her outreach has already resonated with students like Charles Strand-Flores, who recognized the value of starting early. “If you save, you have it when you need it. And when you have a lot, you can give it to other people,” he said, reflecting on the lessons learned from Yee’s visit.
Kimberly Yee also highlights the flexibility of the AZ529 savings plan. Should a child decide that traditional college isn’t the right path for them, the saved funds can still be used for other types of education, such as vocational schools, trade programs, or workforce development initiatives. This adaptability ensures that the money invested in the plan can support a wide range of future opportunities, regardless of the specific educational path chosen.
The essay contest runs through October 6, and submissions can be made online. This initiative provides Arizona students with an exciting opportunity to reflect on their dreams and take a tangible step toward making them a reality. As students across the state put pen to paper, Treasurer Yee’s efforts are making a significant impact by encouraging them to think ahead and plan for their futures, one essay at a time.
Also Read: Arizona High Schools Expand Career and Technical Education with New Robotics Program
