Statewide Essay Contest

Nebraska State Treasurer Ron Ross, along with the Omaha Royals Baseball Club, are pleased to announce the kick-off of the 4th Annual "Why I Want to Go to College" essay contest. The essay contest is open to 7th and 8th grade students. "We are excited to once again host the essay contest and look forward to the students participating in this learning experience. We want all kids to realize their dream of attending college, and we hope the essay contest will help them develop their future goals," said Treasurer Ross.

All essays must be post-marked by Friday, April 21, 2006. The essay should be no more than 750 words and should articulate the student's goals and dreams for the future. Each essay, along with the required cover sheet, should be mailed to the Omaha Royals, Attn: Cassie Duncan, 1202 Bert Murphy Ave., Omaha, NE 68107. For more information on contest requirements, contact Rachel Rezabek at 402-471-1088 or visit the State Treasurer's website at www.treasurer.org.

This year's prizes include 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of Nebraska's congressional districts. Each district winner will receive the following:

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

In addition, each winner will receive four tickets to the Nebraska vs. Creighton game on Tuesday, May 16 at Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium. During the game, each winner will be recognized for his or her achievement. The winners will also receive four Henry Doorly Zoo passes. 1st Place winners will be treated to a one night stay at one of the Omaha area's premier hotels. Prizes are courtesy of the Omaha Royals and Nebraska State Treasurer's Office. Out-of-state participants (non-Nebraska residents) will receive monetary prizes of $1,000, $500, and $300 towards one of Nebraska's College Savings Plans for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place respectively, in the out-of-state category.

Nebraska's college savings plans are an excellent investment option allowing parents and grandparents the ability to save for college with tax savings advantages at both the State and Federal level. The savings can be applied to a number of public, private or religious schools nationwide. Since the inception of the program in January 2001, more than $1.2 Billion has been invested in close to 130,000 accounts.

The college savings program is administered by the Nebraska State Treasurer and Union Bank and Trust Company serves as the program manager. There are four plans within Nebraska's Educational Savings Plan Trust - the College Savings Plan of Nebraska, TD Waterhouse 529 College Savings Plan, The AIM College Savings Plan and The State Farm College Savings Plan.