Scholarships & Contests

Seventh and eighth grade students in the U.S. can enter the 23rd 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, March 31, 2025.
• 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 2025.
• 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:

For more information on the sweepstakes rules and prizes:

• The Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office website.