In the heart of West Virginia, a groundbreaking initiative has been unveiled to support the educational aspirations of its young residents. Larry Pack, the State Treasurer of West Virginia, has initiated a sweepstakes called "Fund the Future" through the SMART529 college savings program. This contest will grant one fortunate child from the state a substantial sum of $15,000, which will be directly deposited into a SMART529 account. The goal is to promote the importance of saving for higher education and encourage families to invest in their children's futures.

This statewide sweepstakes aims to inspire and empower families across West Virginia by offering them an opportunity to enhance their children's educational prospects. Eligibility criteria require that entries must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian, with the child being 17 years old or younger. Both the child and the adult entering on their behalf must reside within the state. Each eligible child is allowed only one entry, but multiple children in a household can participate individually.

The deadline for submissions is set for Friday, May 16. Families interested in participating are encouraged to visit the official website at www.wvtreasury.gov/fundthefuture to complete their entry forms. SMART529, recognized as one of the premier college savings plans in the nation by SavingForCollege.com, offers tax-advantaged savings options designed to assist families in covering various educational expenses.

These funds can be utilized not only for traditional four-year and two-year colleges but also for accredited vocational and trade schools, as well as advanced graduate and doctoral programs. Administered by Hartford Funds and overseen by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs, SMART529 provides comprehensive resources and investment opportunities. For more detailed information, individuals can explore the full range of options available at www.SMART529.com.

Treasurer Pack expressed his enthusiasm for launching this initiative in Charleston, emphasizing the significance of educating pre-K students about the value of saving for higher education. By engaging families and encouraging participation, the Fund the Future sweepstakes seeks to instill a sense of hope and ambition among West Virginia's youth while reinforcing the idea that investing in education is crucial for community development.