West Virginia State Treasurer John Perdue will announce details of the 2020 SMART529 When I Grow Up student and teacher essay contest at 8:00 a.m. THURSDAY (Jan. 16) at Chamberlain Elementary School in Kanawha County.

The annual essay contest for elementary school children and teachers is celebrating its 13th year. The popular contest gives kindergarten through fifth grade students a chance to win both SMART529 savings for higher education and money for their schools by writing about what they want to be when they grow up. The teacher portion of the contest encourages educators to write about how they plan to use the contest as a learning tool in the classroom.

Over the past 12 years, $144,000 has been invested in SMART529 scholarships for students around the state and more than $100,000 in prize money has been awarded to teachers, schools and homeschool associations.

More details about the 2020 contest will be announced at the event below:

WHAT:  2020 SMART529 When I Grow Up student and teacher essay contest kickoff event

WHEN:  8:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16

WHERE:  Chamberlain Elementary School
4901 Venable Avenue
Charleston, WV  25304

CONTACT:  Greg Stone at greg.stone@wvsto.com or Gina Joynes at gina.joynes@wvsto.com.