BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The statewide 2025 SMART529 “When I Grow Up” student and teacher essay contest was announced on January 6 by State Treasurer Larry Pack.
The annual essay contest gives students the chance to win up to $5,000 in SMART529 savings for higher education, and teachers have the chance to win a $2,500 cash prize.
In 2024, the contest saw over 3,300 entries and Pack said he hopes the contest encourages students to think about possible career opportunities.
The 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 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.
Each winner’s school will also receive a $500 cash award.
In 200 words or less, students need to talk about what they want to be when they grow up. Pack said 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. Entry forms will be available at elementary schools throughout the state.
The deadline for entry forms and essay submissions is Friday, Feb. 28.
The regional breakdown can be found below:
- Region I – Beckley/Bluefield area
- Region II – Charleston/Huntington area
- Region III – Clarksburg/Weston area
- Region IV – Martinsburg area
- Region V – Wheeling area
Copyright 2025 WVVA. All rights reserved.