529 Plans celebrate 529 Day 

529 plans across the country are celebrating 529 Day this month with new 529 college savings plans incentives, scholarships, give-aways, in-person & virtual events, and social media activities. Despite current market volatility due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, CSPN continues to promote staying the course, and continuing investments in college savings plans for those who are in the position to do so.

529 plans make it easy and affordable to plan ahead for the cost of higher education at colleges & universities, technical & community colleges, trade schools and many other post-secondary education programs. Check out the opportunities and events available below.

While you don’t have to save with your home state’s plan, it may offer tax and other advantages not available saving in another state’s plan. Find your local program by going to the My State’s Plan page on this site.

2023

Alabama’s CollegeCounts 529 Plan will once again be holding our 529 Baby Day Giveaway! This is our 10th year of awarding 29 $529 contributions to newborn babies in Alabama that were born between 5/29/2022 and 5/29/2023.

The T. Rowe Price 529 College Savings Plan, offered by the Education Trust of Alaska, will be presenting a 529 Day and Saving for College webinar with a panel of college savings experts that will inspire and inform savers as they navigate the college financing journey. Please join this live event and bring your questions.The discussion will take place on May 31, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET. Register now.

California’s ScholarShare 529 is celebrating National 529 College Savings Day with a bonus of up to $100 bonus for families who open a new ScholarShare 529 account between May 22 and May 31, 2023. This campaign is being supported through media relations, online advertising, direct mail, educational webinars, and social media. Complete Offer Terms & Conditions are available at www.scholarshare529.com/529offer.

Colorado’s CollegeInvest Smart Choice 529 Plan provider, FirstBank, is celebrating 529 Day by giving away $2,500 for College for Two Winners! FirstBank will randomly select one winner from Colorado and one winner from Arizona to receive a Grand Prize of $2,500, one Second Place Prize of $1,000, and one Third Place Prize of $500. To enter, eligible participants must deposit a $1.00 or more into either a new or existing Smart Choice 529 account between May 1 – May 31, 2023. A winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries in June. Visit www.efirstbank.com/csapromo for more details and Official Rules.

DE529 is celebrating 529 Day throughout the month of May. The Plan is sponsoring the weekly story time series at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. Treasurer Davis will take part in the reading series on May 23rd. The Plan will also be hosting a community event on May 25th to help educated the public on the many benefits of a 529. Kids will be able to run the bases at the Wilmington Blue Rocks Game on May 28th thanks to DE529. In addition to an anticipated Resolution by the Delaware General Assembly marking May 29th “DE529” Day in Wilmington, the Office of State Treasurer has recorded and distributed public service announcements to local radio stations in Delaware.

Idaho’s 529 will offer a $25 match for qualifying new accounts for beneficiaries aged 0-5. The Program’s social media platforms and digital ad buys will feature the match as well as highlight other inspiring savings tips and human-interest stories leading up to 5-29 day. Full page-color print ads will be featured in local lifestyle magazines throughout Idaho.

Illinois Bright Start and Bright Directions is celebrating National 529 College Savings Day by sponsoring reduced admission days to several Illinois children’s museums at a price of $5.29 from the end of May to the first weekend of June. Families attending the museum on these days will receive information on the benefits of saving early for the cost of college and how to open a Bright Start or Bright Directions 529 college savings account.

Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plans presents their annual Faces of 529 Day Contest! Upload a picture of who you’re saving for along with a caption, and complete our online entry form for a chance to win a $529 CollegeChoice 529 account contribution. The contest runs May 1 – 29, with one winner selected at random from all eligible entries. To enter, visit www.collegechoicedirect.com/529day.

Iowa State Treasurer Roby Smith is celebrating 529 Day by hosting five giveaways in May. Each weekly winner will receive a $529 College Savings Iowa contribution to a new or existing account. Entrants have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesdays to enter at Iowa529Contest.com. Giveaways end May 31. All residents of Iowa with a child or grandchild under 18 years old are eligible.

Louisiana’s START Saving Program is celebrating 529 Day throughout the month of May. We are having social media competitions to compete for (5) $29 deposits to a new or existing 529 account and a grand prize of $529 to one lucky winner. The competitions will consist of scavenger hunts, art contests, to name a few.

Maryland residents may be eligible to receive up to $500 in a Maryland College Investment Plan Account through the Save4College State Contribution Program. It’s easy to apply with the online application. Be sure to open a Maryland College Investment Plan Account and submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on May 31st. For eligibility requirements and more information, visit: https://maryland529.com/Save4College

Michigan – To celebrate 529 Day, MET will be waiving the online enrollment fee. Use coupon code 529DAY23 during online enrollment to waive your $25 enrollment fee. Coupon code is valid 05/22/2023 to 06/02/2023.

Open a new MESP account between 5/22/23 and 5/31/23 and receive up to a $100 bonus. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

Nebraska – During the month of May NEST 529 was issued a Proclamation from the Governor Proclaiming 529 Day in Nebraska. Also in May, NEST is hitting the road visiting stops along the Visit Nebraska Passport Program tour to spread the word about 529 plans. And on 5/29 Day, we will be joining the Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball Team to celebrate 529 with fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

New Mexico – In celebration of 529 Day, The Education Plan®, New Mexico’s 529 plan, is launching the Take the Pledge to Save campaign to encourage families to set a goal and start saving. We have also created educational content that will be shared on social media and The Education Plan website, including a video series and an article “Celebrate 529 Day with These Savings Tips”. Visit TheEducationPlan.com for more information.

For the month of May, Scholar’s Edge has created 2 infographics, 5 social media posts and 2 whitepapers for Financial Professionals and their clients to support 529 plans. All materials are available on the website and were emailed by Principal as well as Saving for College

Pennsylvania – The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is celebrating 529 Day with a promotion where PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts opened between May 1 and May 31 will be eligible for one top award of $5,290 or one of ten regional awards of $2,529. To be eligible, the new PA 529 GSP account must be opened with at least $10 between May 1 and May 31, 2023, and be for a new beneficiary who is a Pennsylvania resident. Conditions apply. Read the official rules for additional details. Awards are not available for new PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) accounts.

South Carolina will be celebrating our PalmettoBabies again this year, offering $529 Future Scholar grants to parents of newborns born on May 29 in SC as a jumpstart to their future education. We partner with hospitals across the state and provide goody bags with gifts for the familes as well as information on Future Scholar and a grant application to use once they open a Future Scholar account.

Virginia529 will be offering a $50 matching contribution for any account opened May 17-May 31. To be eligible, a new account must be opened and funded with at least $50 during the promotion and the account must be setup for recurring contributions.

West Virginia’s SMART529 plan will announce the teacher and student winners of the 16th annual When I Grow Up essay contest. Fifteen student winners receive a $500 savings account, with a chance to win an additional $4,500. The Bright Babies grant incentive allows new parents to receive $100 upon account enrollment. Children adopted from foster care who have not celebrated the first anniversary of their “gotcha day” may also receive a Bright Babies grant. A social media campaign to spread awareness will be utilized. SMART529 literature will be distributed to public libraries across the state.

2022

Alabama CollegeCounts 529 Plan 29 Alabama babies born in the past year will receive contributions of $529.00 into their new or existing CollegeCounts account.

Alaska 529 Alaska is celebrating 529 Day with its annual ice cream extravaganza! Visit one of ten participating ice cream shops in Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kodiak or Wasilla to receive a free treat, courtesy of Alaska 529.

California’s ScholarShare 529 is celebrating National 529 College Savings Day with a $50 Match for families who open a new ScholarShare 529 account between May 24 and May 31, 2022 with $50 or more and set up recurring contributions of $25 or more per month for six consecutive months. This campaign is being supported through a press release, online advertising, educational webinars, and social media. Complete Offer Terms & Conditions are available at www.scholarshare529.com/529day.

Colorado’s CollegeInvest Smart Choice 529 Plan provider, FirstBank, is celebrating 529 day with a Smart Choice Giveaway! Residents of Colorado can enter for a chance to win $2,500, to be deposited into a CollegeInvest Smart Choice 529 Plan managed at FirstBank. To enter, eligible participants must deposit a $1.00 or more into either a new or existing Smart Choice 529 account between May 1 – May 31, 2022. Visit www.efirstbank.com/csapromo for more details.

Delaware DE529 Education Savings Plan The 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware will proclaim May 29, 2022, as ‘DE529 Day’. In doing so, the State of Delaware urges families and employers throughout the State to recognize the benefit of attaining higher education and urge the citizens of Delaware to begin saving for their children’s education. In addition, the Office of State Treasurer will promote the DE529 Plan through social media and public service announcements leading up to May 29th. In partnership with the plan’s program manager (Fidelity), the Plan will sponsor fun activities to inspire youth at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science on May 29th. The Museum is set to open after a two-year closure for renovations.

Georgia Path2College 529 To celebrate 529 Day this year, Path2College 529 Plan will be partnering with two hospitals in Georgia to award the first babies born on May 29th at those hospitals (Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta, GA and Piedmont Regional in Columbus, GA) with a $1,529.00 contribution to their Path2College College Savings Account.

Gift of College In honor of 529 Day, Gift of College is educating employers about the value of offering 529 plans as a financial wellness benefit by sending a copy of Patricia A. Roberts’ Route 529®: A Parent’s Guide to Saving for College and Career Training with 529 Plans to each employer who downloads during the month of May a copy of the Gift of College Employer Toolkit on how to reduce the burden of student loan debt on employees, save on tax dollars, and attract and retain top talent.

Idaho IDeal Idaho’s 529 will offer a $25 match for new accounts for beneficiaries aged 0-5. Match is available to the first 100 qualifying accounts. The Program’s social media platforms and digital ad buys will feature the match as well as highlight other inspiring savings tips and human-interest stories leading up to 5-29 day. Full page-color print ads will be featured in local lifestyle magazines throughout Idaho. The Program will also release its College Savings Behaviors in Idaho report. The report compares savings behaviors from 2020 to 2021 by reach and county. We measure and analyze the differences in contributions, gifting, withdrawals and account creation. The report is formatted into a double-sided summary for each region and highlights a personal savers story local to that region. We hope to participate in several earned media opportunities.

Illinois will celebrate by sharing college savings content/ family testimonials on social media. Additionally, in partnership with the Chicago White Sox, Bright Start will be promoted during a home game this May. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs will be interviewing families who will share their college savings journeys.

Indiana CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plans Treasurer of State Kelly Mitchell is announcing the CollegeChoice Faces of 529 Day Contest to celebrate National College Savings Plan Day on May 29 (5/29). CollegeChoice 529 will award one winner with a $529 CollegeChoice account contribution for sharing a photo with a caption of who they are saving for during the month of May. To enter the contest, a participant must upload a photo of their beneficiary with a caption and complete the form at www.collegechoicedirect.com/529day by 11:59 p.m. on May 29. One individual will be randomly selected from all eligible entries to win a $529 CollegeChoice 529 account deposit.

College Savings Iowa State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is celebrating 529 Day throughout May by sponsoring a contest to give away a $529 College Savings Iowa contribution to one family in each of the state’s 99 counties. Interested families can visit Iowa529Contest.com to enter for a chance to win before the May 31 deadline. All residents of Iowa with a child or grandchild under 18 years old are eligible. Additional initiatives from Treasurer Fitzgerald include answering 529 plan FAQs on his social media platforms and a partnership with the state’s higher education institutions. The partnership involves a short Q&A about the school, including questions regarding the cost of supplies, average scholarship amount and any work study opportunities. The aim is to help families understand the various ways they can use 529 funds.

ISS Market Intelligence will host a webinar on May 25th at 1pm EST: Hosted by Paul Curley, Director of 529 & ABLE Research at ISS MI, with Tim Gorrell, Executive Director of Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage. ISS Market Intelligence’s (MI) Q2 2022 529 & ABLE webinar will provide you with: 529 reminders, tips and best practices, Key themes in 2022 impacting the 529 industry, Q1 2022 529 market sizing and highlight talking points, New industry insights from ISS MI’s annual survey of parents, 529 & ABLE industry announcements and product enhancements

Kansas Learning Quest This year is the 26th anniversary of section 529 in the federal tax code, which makes it possible to have these education savings plans. Our office will visit each of the following locations for two hours to hand out informational materials and we will give out a $1,000, 529 award at each location. This will be a random drawing to occur within a week of our visit. 5/7 Flint Hills Discovery Center (Manhattan) from 11am – 1pm. 5/25 Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (Topeka) 10am – Noon. 5/28 Exploration Place (Wichita) 11am – 1pm. 5/29 Sternberg Museum (Hays) 1-6pm.

Louisiana START Saving Program LOSFA-LOUISIANA – 5/29 DAY (MAY 2022 CAMPAIGN) The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is celebrating 529 Day throughout the month of May with a social media campaign. We will post savings facts, tips, and videos on our START Saving Program’s Facebook and Twitter channels. At the end of the month, we will list a week of fun 529 activities for followers to participate and submit entries. Individuals that like, share, and follow our social media pages will be entered into a drawing to win 5 prizes of $29. Those who participate in any of the social media activities during the week of May 23-27, will have a chance to win a grand prize of $529. The week of social media activities will include a video featuring kids answering questions about college and savings, a 529 scavenger hunt, a drawing contest, and a social media poll. The winner will be announced on June 1.

Maine NextGen 529 Spring, including the end of a school year and 529 month, is a great time for parents to think about what they can do now to help their child succeed. FAME is launching an integrated media campaign that will play into that emotion. The FutureME campaign touches upon the emotional aspect of preparing Maine children for success with higher education. We are both encouraging parents to further support their children in achieving their goals as well as inspiring belief in Maine youth that their dreams are absolutely possible.

Maryland 529, in partnership with Port Discovery Children’s Museum, has launched a sweepstakes encouraging children to submit photos or drawings that depicts their dreams for the future in the “Their Future is Within Reach” Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes will provide one winner $529 towards a new or existing Maryland College Investment Plan (MCIP) Account from Maryland 529 plus a Family Membership to Port Discovery Children’s Museum. To enter the sweepstakes, participants must complete the online entry form and submit the drawing or photo they created with a description of what the photo or drawing depicts, before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. E.T. on May 31, 2022.

Massachusetts U.Fund 529 College Investing Plan For 2022, MEFA will be promoting the importance of saving for college throughout the week of May 23rd. MEFA plans to host two College Savings Webinars, one to be presented in English on 5/26 and one to be presented in Spanish on 5/25. In addition, MEFA will focus our social media content on the importance of saving for college with guidance, resources, and tools posted throughout the week. MEFA will also host an Instagram “Ask Me Anything”, where a MEFA expert will take questions from our followers about college savings and 529 plans, and answer them real-time on MEFAs Instagram stories @mefa_ma.

Minnesota Minnesota College Savings Plan In celebration of National 529 Day, the Minnesota College Savings Plan is offering a $50 bonus for new accounts opened May 24 – June 10, 2022. Requires an initial contribution of $50 and 6 months of recurring contributions at $25 or more.

MOST Missouri’s 529 Education Plan State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is planning media outreach for 529 Day. This will include an op ed to all media outlets in Missouri discuss MOST 529 and the importance of saving for education. Goal is to have the op ed run on May 29 or a few days prior to help build awareness.

Morgan Stanley, a leading global financial services firm, will be recognizing 529 day with digital signage on its NYC headquarters located in the heart of Times Square.

Nebraska NEST 529 Education Savings will be hosting a “Future Career Week” to highlight the goals, dreams, and stories of Nebraska students. We will launch “Future Career Week” at a Lincoln Saltdogs baseball game, then Nebraska children will be able to submit what they want to be when they grow up. Ten winners will be selected for a special opportunity to job shadow their future career, and they will also receive a contribution to their NEST 529 account as we celebrate career dreams in Nebraska.

Nevada SSGA Upromise 529 Plan May 28-29 – DISCOVERY College Day! The Nevada State Treasurer’s Office is proud to partner with the Las Vegas Children’s Museum and sponsor “College Day” to promote awareness of and share information about state-sponsored 529 college savings programs with families and encourage children to envision their educational futures. FREE Admission for the first 75 children both days!

New Hampshire UNIQUE College Investing Plan Visit the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire on May 27th, 28th, or 29th to take home fun giveaways like sunglasses and try a special 529 scavenger hunt. They will also have a station to decorate fabric bags to take home.

New Jersey NJBEST and Franklin Templeton 529 College Savings Plan During the month of May, the New Jersey 529 plans are hosting webinars, sharing social media posts, and deploying emails to offer reminders about the importance of saving for education and starting early. For NJ residents, additional focus will be on the recently added state benefits including the tax deduction, matching grant program and increased scholarship opportunity.

Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage (Direct Sold) Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage will celebrate 529 Day with the Cincinnati Reds as we kickoff our annual College Savings Grand Slam sweepstakes. One lucky winner will receive a $10,000 College Savings Award. Tim Gorrell, Executive Director of Ohio’s 529 Plan, will join Paul Curley from ISS Market Intelligence for a 529 Day webinar at 1:00 pm ET Wednesday, May 25.

Ohio’s 529 Plan will join partners, the Toledo Mud Hens and Fifth Third Bank, on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Those in attendance can enter to win a $529 College Savings Award at www.CollegeAdvantage.com/529Day

Oklahoma College Savings Plan In celebration of National 529 Day, the Oklahoma College Savings Plan is offering a $50 bonus for new accounts opened May 24 – June 10, 2022. Requires an initial contribution of $50 and 6 months of recurring contributions at $25 or more.

Oregon College Savings Plan is not running a specific 5/29 day promotion. We continue to offer our BabyGrad and KinderGrad matches where $25 is added to every account opened for an Oregon baby or kindergartener. In addition, we will be announcing the winners of our two Diversity in Leadership Scholorships this year. Each winner will receive $10,000 for their first year of college and $5,000 each additional year.

Pennsylvania PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is celebrating 529 Day with a promotion where every new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) account opened between May 1 and May 31 will be automatically eligible for one top award of $5,290 for education! New PA 529 GSP accounts will also be eligible for one of 67 county-specific awards of $529 available to winners from each of PA’s 67 counties. All families need to do is open a new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan account between May 1 and May 31. Conditions apply. Read the official rules for additional details. Awards are not available for new PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) accounts.

South Carolina Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan Future Scholar is celebrating National 529 Day with its annual PalmettoBaby promotion. Parents of babies born in South Carolina on May 29 are eligible to receive a privately-funded $529 PalmettoBaby grant to jumpstart their college savings. The campaign is supported through our hospital partners, social media posts, press releases distributed to statewide media, radio interviews with Treasurer Loftis, and a separate promotion with targeted SC Mommy Bloggers that also provide articles/email content on Future Scholar as well as random drawings for $529 grants. More details can be found on FutureScholar.com.

Tennessee TNStars College Savings 529 Program In celebration of 529 Day, the TNStars College Savings 529 Program is highlighting ways families can bost their college savings through Upromise. We launched a new page on our website, tnstars.treasury.tn.gov/Gift-an-Education/Upromise.

Utah my529 Utah residents may be eligible for up to a $40 match if they open a my529 account for a beneficiary who is new to my529 between May 1 and 31, 2022. To qualify, contribute at least $25 at opening, and set up a monthly automatic contribution for at least six consecutive months. More details at my529.org.

Washington WA529 Washington College Savings Plans is conducting a statewide art contest, beginning during Financial Literacy Month and culminating on 529 Day. All kids enrolled in a Washington state K-12 school are eligible. Art submissions will be judged and 12 first-place entries will be selected across four age groups. Winners will receive their choice of a iPad Air, Microsoft Surface or Chromebook Spin. In addition to prizes for the best art entries, we are also incentivizing schools with a $500 prize for the three schools with the most entries. Engagement and participation has been very strong since the contest began!

West Virginia’s SMART529 plan will announce the winners of the 15th annual When I Grow Up essay contest. Fifteen regional winners receive a $500 savings account, with a chance to win an additional $4,500. New parents may sign up a child under 1 year of age to receive a $100 Bright Babies grant. SMART529 will distribute information to public libraries for summer reading programs.

Wisconsin Edvest (Direct-sold) Edvest is Celebrating 529 Day with a Special Incentive to Start Saving. Individuals who open a new Edvest account between May 24 and May 31, 2022, will be eligible for the $50 match deposit incentive. Anyone who opens a new account with $50 or more at Edvest.com/529Day and adds a monthly recurring contribution or payroll direct deposit of $25 or more for six months will receive a $50 match deposit in celebration of National 529 Day.
Tomorrow’s Scholar (Advisor-sold) Tomorrow’s Scholar and Voya are celebrating 529 Day with a social media campaign promoting three key benefits of 529 plans plus tips on maximizing the value of a 529 program through LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. We will also be hosting a number of webinars with our partners on the ins and outs of 529 plans, saving through a 529 vs. other vehicles, the impact on financial aid and choosing the right plan.

2021

CollegeCounts, Alabama’s 529 account, will be giving away contributions of $529 to 29 Alabama babies born between 5/29/20 and 5/29/21. Registration begins 5/29/2021 and ends 7/16/2021.

Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee is hosting a statewide essay contest for Arizona’s fifth-graders. Winners will receive $529 towards a AZ529 Education Savings Plan account. One winner will be selected from each of Arizona’s 15 counties, with an additional five prizes to be awarded in Maricopa and Pima counties, due to higher population. In all, $10,580 will be distributed to 20 Arizona students to assist them in saving for their educational and career plans beyond high school.The prompt is, “What is your dream job and how do you plan on achieving it in the future?” Submissions will be accepted online and through direct mail through May 29th, 2021.

Arkansas: Sent an Arkansas 529 awareness survey to 70,000 randomly selected Arkansans earlier this year. Collected and compiled results into an Arkansas 529 Report that we will release a few days before 529 day. Working with local media to interview the Treasurer about the survey.
Also, holding a sweepstakes (AR529 Dream Big Sweepstakes) where we will award five (5) $529 contributions into an existing or to open a new account. Registration will take place between May 17 and June 30. Will promote through our digital, social and traditional media channels, and with support from other marketing partnerships.

Colorado’s CollegeInvest Smart Choice 529 Plan provider, FirstBank, is celebrating 529 day with a Smart Choice Giveaway! Residents of Colorado can enter for a chance to win $2,500, to be deposited into a CollegeInvest Smart Choice 529 Plan managed at FirstBank. To enter, eligible participants must deposit a $1.00 or more into either a new or existing Smart Choice 529 account between May 1 – May 31, 2021. A winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries in June. Visit efirstbank.com/csapromo for more details.

Gift of College will give away one $100 Gift of College gift card with a copy of Route 529: A Parent’s Guide to Saving for College and Career Training with 529 Plans through a FaceBook contest each day of the week (Monday, 5/24 – Friday, 5/28) leading up to Saturday 5/29.

Idaho: In May IDeal will offer a $25 match for the first 200 new accounts for children aged 0-5. Accounts must have an initial funding amount of $25 or $15 if on an AIP. Due date for new accounts is May 29th.

Indiana: CollegeChoice 529’s Faces of 529 Day Contest. Participants can enter to win a $529 CollegeChoice 529 account deposit by submitting a picture of who they are saving for.

Iowa: State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald is celebrating 529 Day throughout May by sponsoring a contest to give away a 100 College Savings Iowa contributions. An entrant in each of Iowa’s 99 counties will win a $529 contribution. One person will win a grand prize of a $1,529 contribution. Interested families can visit Iowa529Contest.com to enter for a chance to win. All residents of Iowa with a child or grandchild under 18 years old are eligible.

Kansas: State Treasurer Lynn Rogers is hosting 529 celebrations on 5/29 at three children’s museums around the state. We’re covering admission costs for up to 529 individuals. We will be giving away a scholarship in the amount of $529 per location. Treasurer Rogers is scheduled to make an appearance at each location.

Maine: NextGen 529 will be doing an integrated campaign on radio, television, digital, and direct mail to young parents during May. Partly a celebration of getting through a tough year, the focus of the campaign is to highlight that our children have a bright future ahead and that NextGen 529 can help open a world of possibilities for Maine students.

Minnesota: MNSAVES Minnesota 529 College Savings Plan is celebrating 529 Day with a $50 Match for new accounts opened May 24 – May 31, 2021 with a $50 initial deposit and recurring contributions of $25 for 6 months or more. Go to mnsaves.org/529Day for all the details.

Missouri: MO Money Sweepstakes encouraging participants to open accounts to receive $25 contribution plus a chance to win a $5,029 grand prize

Nebraska NEST 529 Education Savings – NEST 529 at the Ballpark. NEST will have a special night at the Lincoln Saltdogs game. Future NEST beneficiaries will run the bases, receive NEST baseballs, plus several lucky winners will receive $529 NEST accounts.

Nevada: State treasurer’s office is partnering with the Childrens’ Museums in Las Vegas and Reno on 529 Day. On May 29th, children 17 and under are FREE all day at the Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno! In addition, the first 100 children ages 0-18 are FREE all day at the Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas. Also, children visiting the museums that day will have the opportunity to draw a picture of what they hope to become after college and can enter to win a $529 contribution into their SSGA Upromise 529 Plan!

Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, is kicking off National 529 Day with two $10,000 college savings awards contests: One $10,000 College Savings Grand Slam Giveaway with the Cincinnati Reds and one $10,000 College Savings Home Run Giveaway with the Cleveland Indians.

Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan is celebrating 529 Day with a $50 Match for new accounts opened May 24 – May 31, 2021 with a $50 initial deposit and recurring contributions of $25 for 6 months or more. Go to Ok4saving.org/529Day for all the details.

Pennsylvania will celebrate 529 day by running a promotion that will provide $100 to the first 529 new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts opened between 05/28/21 to 05/31/2021 and have an automatic investment or payroll contribution established by 06/14/21. Our communications and marketing team will promote 529 Day with a statewide press release, newly developed social media graphics highlighting real people talking about why they’re glad they have 529 accounts, plus an original YouTube video. In addition, a new statewide ad campaign will launch featuring television spots, bus wraps, billboards, podcast and radio spots, and digital ads aimed to reach both urban and rural families.

South Carolina: Parents of babies born on 5/29 in South Carolina are eligible for a PalmettoBaby grant of $529 for their newborn’s Future Scholar account when they complete a grant application and open a Future Scholar account by Aug. 31, 2021

Texas will celebrate 529 Day by promoting the Texas 529 plans statewide with a press release, social media, email blasts and electronic material distribution. The plan manager will send 529-branded promotional items to financial advisors and broker/dealers across the state to keep college savings top-of-mind among financial professionals. Grassroots outreach staff will present a webinar on the Texas prepaid college tuition plan on May 12th and conduct virtual outreach throughout the month. Representatives of the Comptroller’s office and Orion Advisor Solutions, the plan manager, will host a webinar on the Texas college savings plans on May 26th.

Upromise’s May Scholarship: Upromise will award five families a $529 college scholarship in May.  Winners will be randomly picked at the end of the month and the selected Upromise members will receive $529 in their Upromise account to help them save for college. Learn more about how Upromise helps college savers contribute to 529 Plans.

Utah residents may be eligible for up to a $40 match if they open a my529 account for a beneficiary who is new to my529 between May 1 and 31, 2021. To qualify, contribute at least $25 at opening, and set up a monthly automatic contribution for at least six consecutive months. More details at my529.org.

Wisconsin’s Edvest College Savings Plan is celebrating 529 Day with a $50 Match for new accounts opened May 24 – May 31, 2021 with a $50 initial deposit and recurring contributions of $25 for 6 months or more. Go to Edvest.com for all the details.

2020
Alabama: For the ninth consecutive year, CollegeCounts, Alabama’s 529 Plan, will be giving away 29 contributions of $529 to Alabama families with an account and who have a baby born between May 29, 2019 and May 29, 2020.

Alaska: Alaska 529 is partnering with an Anchorage-based ice cream shop and a Fairbanks-based ice cream truck to give out free ice cream treats. Additionally, they will be giving away t-shirts to up to 1,000 kids who share a short video telling/showing what they want to be when they grow up.

Arizona is hosting a social media contest to celebrate graduations and grade level promotions for National College Savings Day (529 Day). https://www.facebook.com/AZCollegeSavings/ Activity: Post your favorite photo of your family’s “virtual celebration” of this milestone occasion with the hashtags #AZGradcelebration #AZ529BigDreams by 5/24/20. We’ll be randomly selecting one photo from each milestone category to win $529 towards an Arizona 529 college savings account (AZ529.gov). Winners will be announced on 5/29/2020. Examples: 2020 HS graduates, kindergarten promotion to 1st, 5th or 6th grade promotion to Middle School/Junior High, and Middle School/Jr High promotion to High School

BlackRock CollegeAdvantage 529: The BlackRock sales desk will be conducting a call out campaign to 3000 financial advisors to discuss the benefits of 529. The firm will also be participating in a webinar series with advisors to do the same.

California: ScholarShare 529 is celebrating National 529 College Savings Day with a $50 match for families who open a new ScholarShare 529 account between May 26 and May 31, 2020 with $50 or more and sign up for a recurring contribution of $25 or more per month for six consecutive months.

Delaware: State Treasurer Colleen Davis recorded a PSA for 529 Day

and the DE529 – Delaware College Investment Plan will be leveraging their successful baby campaign from earlier this year to drive new account openings.

Georgia: Path2College 529 Plan will be partnering with 2 hospitals in Georgia to award the first babies born at those hospitals on May 29th a $1,529 contribution to their Path2College 529 Account to celebrate 529 Day this year.

Gift of College 5/29 Week Sweepstakes: To educate individuals about saving for college with 529 plans and the ease with which friends, family and employers can lend a hand, Gift of College will host on the Gift of College Facebook page a fun contest for the opportunity to win three $529 Gift of College gift cards from Tuesday, May 26th through Friday May, 29th (5/29 Day) which can be redeemed into a 529 college savings account of the winner’s choice.

In connection with 5/29 Day, Gift of College announced the results of its ‘Paying for College Survey.’ The national survey covered an array of topics from student loan debt to saving for college and the impact of employers’ support of educational expenses. Among the survey findings: 75% of Americans rank 529 college savings & student loan benefits among the top three desired employer benefits overall, and 62% of Americans who face student loan debt feel overwhelmed by it.

Idaho: From May1-29, IDeal– Idaho’s College Savings Program- will provide a matching contribution of $25 for the first 200 new accounts opened for beneficiaries 0-5 with an initial contribution of at least $25 by June 30th.

Illinois will be celebrating the National College Savings Day all week long leading up to 529 day with Bright Start success stories from various families across Illinois. These stories will be shared through social media on Facebook and Twitter.

Indiana: Indiana will host its CollegeChoice 529‘s Faces of 529 Day Contest. Indiana residents can enter to win a $529 CollegeChoice 529 account deposit by submitting a picture of who they are saving for. Ads for the contest feature Pete the Planner and will run state-wide.

Iowa: College Savings Iowa is hosting a month-long contribution giveaway to celebrate 529 Day. Between May 1 and May 31, Iowans with a child or grandchild under the age of 18 can visit Iowa529Contest.com to register for a chance to win one of five $529 College Savings Iowa contributions.

Ivy InvestEd 529 Plan will promote “529 Day” to the public via our social platforms, driving traffic back to the Ivy InvestEd public facing landing page. We will coordinate with AZ529 to retweet/share our posts to increase the reach of these posts. We will also have advisor targeted social posts and promote the plan via our advisor facing monthly eNewsletter series – these efforts will link back to the Ivy InvestEd plan overview web page.

Kansas is raising awareness of the Learning Quest 529 plan by holding a contest, 529 Reasons to Love a 529. Contest entrants will include a statement about why or who they are investing for education. The contest runs 5/18 to 5/31 with the chance to win $1,529 towards a new or existing Learning Quest account.

Louisiana: The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is celebrating 529 DAY with a series of social media activities during the week of May 25 -29. The activities will focus on saving for college and the importance of a college education. Participants will have their names entered into a drawing to win $529 that will be deposited into a START account of their choice. The winner will be announced June 1. Information about the campaign will be shared starting the week of May 11.

Maryland: Maryland 529 has partnered with Port Discovery Children’s Museum to offer one lucky child $529 towards a new or existing Maryland College Investment Plan account plus a Family Membership to Port Discovery through the “Unlock Your Future” sweepstakes. Participants draw a picture or take a photo that shows what they dream of being when they grow up and complete the online entry form by 5/31.

Massachusetts: MEFA is planning a number of dedicated activities focused on promoting the benefits of 529 and 529A plans. To promote 529 college savings plans, MEFA will host live virtual events, including a Twitter Chat and a Facebook Live, create new online written content and offer guidance via social media, including posts focused on key aspects of 529 college savings accounts. To promote 529A plans and increase awareness, MEFA will host a live webinar, share video content, and publish a blog post, all focused on the key details and benefits of ABLE accounts.

Michigan: Michigan Education Trust (MET) is planning to host a virtual 529 Day Panel Discussion on 5/28, with a recorded version available on 5/29.  In addition, they are offering $100 match for MET contracts purchased on 5/28 & 5/29. Additionally, iHeart Media, West Michigan (WOOD Radio) is going to do a “1st Annual Scholarship for Excellence” essay contest. Minimum 250 word, maximum 1,000 word essays may be submitted May 29 though June 19. Prize to be awarded is a 2-year MET Community College Contract. Sponsored by WOOD Radio, MET and United Bank.

Missouri: MOST MO Money Sweepstakes. Register for a chance to win up to $5,029 in a MOST account – Missouri’s 529 Education Plan. Three drawings will take place: one on May 15th, one on May 29th, and a final drawing on June 4th.

Montana: Achieve Montana is partnering with local media sites with statewide coverage to push out content about recent plan improvements and to generate awareness of 529 Day. The tactics include a native content article on newspaper websites, mobile and display banner ads, native ads, and an HTML email to an opt-in subscriber list.

Morgan Stanley’s campaign kicks off in mid-May and runs through June during graduation season. This year’s campaign recognizes current challenging times, while emphasizing the importance of incorporating a 529 plan into one’s long-term financial plan. It is a multi-channel campaign consisting of a new article on morganstanley.com, a digitial display on our Headquarters building in Times Square, and a social media campaign on our Firm accounts as well as content available for our 15.5K Financial Advisors to share with their networks and on their websites. Our Financial Advisors, along with their families, will be encouraged to wear college gear on May 29th and share via social. Financial Advisors will also be equipped with an email they can use for outreach to clients.

Nebraska: The NEST 529 Direct and Advisor plan is promoting a “new account bonus” starting May 26. The first 200 new accounts for beneficiaries 8 and under opened with the promo code “bonus” and funded with $100 will receive a $100 bonus into the new account.

Nevada: Nevada will now have a virtual day of activities for families in Nevada. They will be offering webinars and live events via social media with the goal of educating families on 529 Plans and teaching them how to plan, save and pay for post-secondary education i Nevada.

New York: NY’s 529 College Savings Program campaign includes digital and social media content, employer webinars, and public information efforts. The Advisor Program emphasizes a “Mission Tuition” theme and will focus on long term vision through challenging times. Online videos from financial experts will be posted on the program website for financial advisors and both current and prospective account owners.

North Carolina: The NC 529 Plan is giving away $5,529 to one lucky winner in the “Dream Big” 5/29 Day Drawing. Participants receive entries for each contribution to their NC 529 Account during the month of May and receive double entries for new accounts and for initiating a new (or increasing an existing) recurring contribution.

North Dakota: College SAVE is once again partnering with KX-Net television from May 8-29 on all of their platforms, including all of their live news telecasts and social media news postings to give away 5- $529 College SAVE scholarships to new or existing account holders.

Ohio’s 529 Plan originally had a whole series of events lined up on and around 529 Day, from gameday events with the Dayton Dragons and sponsorship of the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund’s annual Redlegs Run, to sponsorship of summer reading programs with library systems around the state and sponsorship of a summer reading series with a local Columbus movie theater. As circumstances shifted, Ohio’s 529 Plan has shifted our outeach to a virtual footing. Our school and student programs with the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and the Dayton Dragons have been extended into the summer, and our 30th Anniversary Sweepstakes has continues through May 31. In addition, Ohio’s 529 Plan is sponsoring the May 18 SavingforCollege webinar and, we will are partnering with BlackRock for a webinar on May 28. Ohio’s 529 Plan will also be in market with our Grad(ish) ad campaign, with a strong emphasis on 529 Day.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) is celebrating 529 Day by offering $50 when a new OCSP account is opened with $50 or more and a recurring contribution.

Pennsylvania: PA 529 is developing a page of virtual resources for families (including national 529 campaign Daniel Tiger coloring sheets) and its $529 contest and will invite families to visit via the website and email. PA State Treasury will also host a 529 Day Twitter chat with its new partners at Fund My Future, who have teamed with PA 529 to promote a statewide savings incentive.

Rhode Island: CollegeBound Saver will be holding a webinar on “529 Day” to offer the first 10 attendees that open a CollegeBound Saver account a $529 contribution. All other attendees will receive a $100 contribution if they enroll within 60 days from the date of the webinar. Additionally, they will be offering a $529 contribution to a CollegeBound Saver account on behalf of any baby born to Rhode Island residents on May 29, 2020.

South Carolina: In its eighth consecutive year of the PalmettoBaby program, South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 College Savings Plan is offering all babies born on May 29th a $529 contribution when their parents open a Future Scholar account.  The program has partnered with hospitals across the state to deliver a Future Scholar SWAG bag and PalmettoBaby information to all moms in the maternity ward on May 29th.

Tennessee: TNStars College Savings 529 Program will share a myriad of pictures of Tennessee children that they have received from Tennessee families who have also provided their reasons for why saving for college is important. During the month of May, these pictures and images will be shared on social media platforms and through prospective client and existing client newsletters.

Texas: Texas will publicize 529 Day by use of social media, a press release, and emails to current account owners with electronic brochures attached. Program managers will be sending branded promotional items to financial advisors and broker dealers to publicize and celebrate 529 Day. Grassroots staff will do virtual outreach events during the month of May.

Utah: Utah residents may earn up to $40 matching funds by opening a new account and maintaining contributions May 1-31, 2020

Vermont: The VT 529 savings plan and VSAC will provide some much needed graduation fanfare for the VT high school graduates of the Class of 2020 with a “have takeout on us” promotion including weekly drawings through June 26. Five winners every week will each receive $50 of tasty takeout from their favorite local restaurant or food business plus each get a $50 VSAC Gift of College card. Every VT high school grad of 2020 who posts a photo using the #VSACDelivers hashtag and tags @802VSAC qualifies for the grand drawing for $529 from VHEIP to be held by June 30, 2020.

Virginia: A webinar series is being developed for May 18 – May 29 on a variety of educational topics including: apprenticeships, financial aid, investment options, disability savings with ABLEnow, and basic 529 knowledge. One webinar attendee at each session will win a $529 account. Event will culminate with a session on May 29th with CEO Mary Morris and Andrea Feinstein discussing the future of Higher Education.

West Virginia: SMART529, West Virginia’s Education Savings Solution, will host a Facebook LIVE event on Friday, May 29, 2020 to celebrate 529 Day and announce the regional winners of its 13th annual “When I Grow Up” essay contest. Join them at 10 a.m. May 29 on the WVTreasury Facebook page for this exciting announcement and learn more about West Virginia’s SMART529 program.

Wisconsin: Edvest is celebrating National 529 Day by offering $50 when a new Edvest account is opened with $50 and a recurring contribution. Full details available at www.edvest.com/529Day. Edvest is also kicking off a new College Savings Made Simple webinar this May. Register at www.edvest.com

 

Real Savers / Real Stories
In 2016, for the 20th Anniversary of Internal Revenue Code 529, CSPN released a series of testimonial videos telling the stories of Real Savers who used 529 plans to achieve their dreams of higher education. Check out their stories below.