The statewide 2025-2026 SMART529 “When I Grow Up” student and teacher essay contest will be adjusted to accommodate the current academic year, instead of the calendar year, according Larry Pack, West Virginia state treasurer.
The annual essay contest gives students the chance to win up to $5,000 in SMART529 savings for higher education. Teachers have the opportunity to win a $2,500 cash prize.
“This contest has motivated many students across our state to begin thinking about a future career, and we want to continue offering it on a different timeline. Instead of holding the annual awards banquet for our regional winners in the fall, we will hold the ceremony in the Spring to coincide with the current academic year,” Pack said. “My hope is that this contest continues to inspire students to dream big.”
This past year, more than 3,300 students from across the state participated in the contest, working with their families and educators to discover job pathways that spark their interests and can lead them to a fulfilling future career.
In its 19th year, the SMART529 “When I Grow Up” 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 sometime between February and April 2026. Each winner’s school will also receive a $500 cash award.
Teachers of grades kindergarten through fifth also have the opportunity to compete in the teacher portion of the essay contest. This year’s winning teacher will receive a $2,500 cash prize.
The SMART529 When I Grow Up essay contest allows students to submit, in 200 words or less, an essay that explains what they want to be when they grow up. 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. In addition, entry forms will be available at elementary schools throughout the state.
The deadline for entry forms and essay submissions is Dec. 12.
