Nester | NEST Direct 529 College Savings Plan

About our favorite flying friend.

After hatching on the branch of an enormous Nebraska Cottonwood tree, it didn’t take Nester long to realize how much he loved helping others. It’s why he’s so excited to take on the role of our mascot and help us spread the word about the importance of saving for education. Even though he’s still young, Nester dreams big — and because your little loved ones do too, planning ahead is the best way to help them soar toward a bright future.

Nester at a Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball game with winners of a previous Baby Crawl contest.

2025 Husker Basketball Baby Races

NEST 529 is sponsoring Baby Races at the Husker Men’s Basketball game against Minnesota on March 1 — and Nester will be there to cheer on the contestants! To enter your baby and have a chance to win $529 in a NEST 529 Education Savings account for higher education, visit Huskers.com/babyraces.

Keep a bird’s eye out for Nester.

Lied Center

Nester and the NEST 529 team enjoyed seeing all of you who came out to one the family-friendly shows at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo 2024 was a hoot! Nester can’t wait to see you all at future events at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo!

Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball Games

We’re big fans of Lincoln’s minor league baseball team. And as it turns out, Nester is too! Nester enjoyed spending time at the ballpark this season and taking pictures with the fans. Thanks for joining us!

Nebraska Passport Tour Stops

In 2023, the Nebraska Passport Program’s “Creature Comforters” tour involved stops that are passionate about wildlife conservation. NEST 529 was a proud sponsor of this event, because whether you’re saving for education or saving animals by learning how to care for and protect them, taking steps to prepare makes a big difference.

Download a free activity sheet.

From navigating mazes to charting out a budget, these activity sheets are great for the younger kids in your life. Print a copy or two off for a fun way to introduce your kids to topics like saving, budgeting, and thinking about their future.

A few of the activities include: