Larry Pack, state treasurer, visited Sophia Christian Academy in Raleigh County to announce the 20th annual statewide 2026-2027 SMART529 “When I Grow Up” student and teacher essay contest.
“For 20 years, the ‘When I Grow Up’ essay contest has encouraged West Virginia students to dream big and begin thinking about possibilities for their future,” Pack said. “It’s inspiring to see young students share their goals and creativity, and we’re proud that SMART529 can help families start conversations about education, careers, and planning for what comes next. I encourage students across the state to apply and share with us what they hope to be when they grow up.”
The 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.
Kindergarten through fifth-grade students have the chance to win up to $5,000 in SMART529 savings for higher education and a $500 cash prize for their school. Teachers, school counselors, and librarians of grades kindergarten through fifth have the opportunity to win a $2,500 cash prize.
This past year, nearly 2,300 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.
Students who enter the contest will also have the chance to win 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 regional breakdown is as follows: Region I – Beckley/Bluefield area; Region II – Charleston/Huntington area; Region III – Clarksburg/Weston area; Region IV – Martinsburg area; and Region V – Wheeling area.
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 University of Charleston on March 19, 2027. Each winner’s school will also receive a $500 cash award.
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. 11.
SMART529 is a qualified tuition program issued by the board of trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs and administered by Hartford Funds. Complete information about SMART529 plans and investment options is available at www.SMART529.com.
