Scholarships & Contests

NEST offers scholarships, contests, and drawings.

Read more about NEST Advisor 529 Education Savings Plan’s featured scholarship, contests, and drawings, along with eligibility requirements for each.

“Why I Want to Go to College” Writing Sweepstakes

Seventh and eighth grade students in the U.S. can enter the 20th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” writing sweepstakes sponsored by the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust and the Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball Club.

Sweepstakes details:

  • Open to seventh and eighth grade students.
  • All essays must be post-marked by Monday, April 4, 2022.
  • The essay should be no more than 750 words.
  • Students are asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through higher education.
  • Winners will be contacted in April 2022.
  • Do not submit entries to Union Bank & Trust; they will not be forwarded or included in the Sweepstakes.


Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners:

  • 1st place winners: $2,000 contribution to a Nebraska 529 Plan
  • 2nd place winners: $1,000 contribution to a Nebraska 529 Plan
  • 3rd place winners: $500 contribution to a Nebraska 529 Plan


Essay must include a cover sheet and the following:

  • Student’s name and grade
  • Resident address
  • Parent/Guardian name and telephone number
  • Parent/Guardian email address (if available)
  • School
  • Nebraska residents: include your U.S. Congressional District (either district 1, 2, or 3)
  • Non-Nebraska residents: do not include a Congressional District


Mail your essay and cover sheet as follows:

Omaha Storm Chasers
Attn: Jenna Kniss
NEST Writing Sweepstakes
12356 Ballpark Way
Papillion, NE 68046

For more information on the sweepstakes rules and prizes:

  • The Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office website.