How old were you when you knew what you wanted to be when you grew up? Well, it is time for kids in West Virginia to start thinking about that age-old question by participating in the 10th Annual When I Grow Up essay contest, sponsored by SMART529 and the State Treasurer’s Office.

This annual essay contest gives kindergarten through fifth grade students in West Virginia a chance to share in nearly $20,000 in prizes. Regional winners will be selected from five regions. Each of the five regions will have one winner from each of three grade levels (K-1, 2-3, 4-5), making for a total of 15 regional winners. Each of those 15 winners will receive $500 invested in a SMART529 college savings account and will be invited to attend an event in the fall where one grand prize winner will be randomly selected to receive a total of $5,000 in SMART529 scholarship money.

Student, schools, and teachers can compete!

Students aren’t the only winners in this contest. Each school that produces a regional winner will receive a $500 cash prize. Teachers also have the opportunity to compete for a cash prize. For the Teachers’ Essay Contest, teachers are encouraged to use the When I Grow Up essay contest in their classrooms and write a short essay about the experience (500 words or less), for a chance to win $2,500.

Over the past 10 years, more than $100,000 has been invested in SMART529 scholarships for students around the state and more than $80,000 in prize money has been awarded to teachers and schools.

While class participation is encouraged for the When I Grow Up contest, students can also enter on their own. Students who are homeschooled are also encouraged to participate in the contest.

How do I enter?

To enter, students need to fill out the entry form and get a parent’s signature.  Then, in 100 words or less, tell us about what they want to be when they grow up. The deadline for entry forms and essays submissions is Friday, February 24, 2017.

This contest may bring a child one step closer to making a dream come true, no matter the dream!

Learn more about the 10th Annual When I Grow Up essay contest and download the official contest rules at www.SMART529.com.