<p>Several years ago the public school sent home a flyer from our state 529 college savings plan. It was a contest to draw a poster–grand prize 4 year pre-paid college scholarship (tuition and fees) for kids in grades K-9 and $36,000 investment plan for 10-12. So I forced my kids to draw a poster each…I gave them a little speech…I will pay for your college BUT you have the obligation to work hard in school and try to ease the burden by seeking scholarships…So I made them both make posters for the contest as a “lesson” with no expectation that they would win. They worked hard and produced two very nifty posters. I sent the posters and asked my mother-in-law to say a special prayer to the “virgencita” and OMG my S won the grade grand prize! 4 years paid instate tuition and fees or $36,000 to take wherever!? For a POSTER! </p>
<p>Every child in the State got the flyer and all of my friends said they had seen it but just chucked it. They expected the art teachers at school to organize the kids, but really, it comes down to parents when our kids are young. They really don’t think these things are within their grasp…they underestimate how talented they are but they also are too young to know the golden rule of gambling “You can’t win a lottery if you don’t buy the ticket!” </p>
<p>NOW as S is nearing college I still expect him to seek other merit aid. Extra essays for the colleges he applies to and, as an art student, it is particularly relevant to try to get his portfolios in good shape for merit aid at university or art school. My daughter is still 4 years away from college has entered some small local essay contests and photo contests that have yielded small monetary prizes and glory but I emphasize that she should be looking out for other opportunities. There are dozens out there particularly if you have a special interest (girl scouts, theatre) but also just good general ones offered by the local Kiwanis clubs, etc. </p>
<p>Note…I did make one mistake. My son was procastinating finishing his poster and kept moaning that it was a hopeless exercise. I said…“this is so big, if you win this I will buy you a car!” Yikes!..his response to the call from the state capital was to say…YES! CAR! So…we bought him a very, very modest old Accord with 120,000 miles on it and he putters into the senior parking lot each day. Careful about what you say as you encourage them to apply for scholarships!! I should have offered to get him a new bike.</p>