ATLANTA – In an effort to raise awareness across the nation about the importance of saving for college, September has been declared national College Savings Month. The state of Georgia is joining states across the country this month to encourage families to prepare financially for higher education expenses.

Coloring is perhaps one of the first activities a child embarks upon on his or her educational journey, creating a foundation for creativity and a lifetime of learning. This September, coloring can also help create a financial foundation for one Georgia child. To get families thinking about financial planning, while at the same time encouraging a love of learning and creativity among children, the Path2College 529 Plan is once again holding a statewide coloring sweepstakes.

Georgia children in Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade can color Hootie the Wise Old Owl, and complete the sentence, “When I graduate, I’m going to be a ____.” for a chance to win $1,529 for his or her college savings.

“We know it’s important to start early and save regularly in order to build a strong financial foundation for a child’s college education. That’s why during College Savings Month we hold this coloring sweepstakes,” said Mitch Seabaugh, director of the Path2College 529 Plan. “It’s a great way to get children to dream big about what career path they will one day choose, while at the same time reminding their families to think about that future and how they can help their child get there through a college education.”

Coloring sheets and official rules can be found at www.Path2College529.com. Entries must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian, post-marked by 9/30/12, and must be received by 10/5/12. One winner will be drawn at random in mid-October, and he/she will win $1,529 for his/her college savings. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

In addition to the college savings contribution, the winner’s school will also receive $1,000.

“Our elementary schools play such a vital role in establishing a love of learning and ensuring our children have the foundation they need to continue their education,” said Seabaugh. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for that responsibility.”

“With college costs continually rising, parents can easily feel overwhelmed. Research shows that a child with a college savings account is seven times more likely to go to college¹, and the Path2College 529 Plan provides busy parents with a simple and realistic way to save,” said Seabaugh.



Click here to learn more about Georgia’s Path2College 529.