Know someone with big hopes and dreams?
West Virginia students from kindergarten through fifth grade can enter to win up to $5,000 in a SMART529 college savings account by writing about their dream job.
Hosted by the state Treasurer’s Office, the SMART529 When I Grow Up essay contest is open to public, private and home school students. Essays begin with, “When I grow up, I want to be a…” and then each child explains why they’ve chosen that career.
Entries are broken down into three grade categories (Kindergarten – 1st; 2nd – 3rd; and 4th – 5th) and five regions:
- Region I – Beckley/Bluefield area
- Region II – Charleston/Huntington area
- Region III – Clarksburg/Weston area
- Region IV – Martinsburg area
- Region V – Wheeling area
Fifteen winners will be awarded a $500 SMART529 college savings account. Another $500 goes to their school or homeschool association.
One grand prize winner will be randomly selected for an additional $4,500 in their SMART529 account.
Click here for the entry form. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2026.