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Nebraska farm kids eligible for scholarship contest

Nebraska farm kids can win a college savings plan scholarship of up to $2,500 by entering the fourth annual “NEST on the Farm” scholarship contest.

NEST stands for Nebraska Educational Savings Trust, which administers Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans.

The scholarship contest is open to children and teens ages seven to 13 who live on Nebraska farms or ranches or whose parents work on a Nebraska farm or ranch. To enter, they must submit an essay describing how being in a farming or ranching family influences his or her higher education goals.

“We are always so impressed with the thoughtfulness and depth of these essays that are submitted. It always comes through, the importance of farm life and educational goals for the future,” says Christina Kahler, marketing director for NEST, “It’s easy to tell that the young people that enter this contest work very hard at home and in school, and they really value their families and their agricultural roots.”

AUDIO: Christina Kahler (3:19 MP3)

Leigh Jahnke of Bancroft received one of the $2,500 scholarships in 2013. She says it was well worth the time it took to write an essay and she encourages others to submit an entry.

“Definitely they need to do it. It’s a great experience—it’s awesome,” Jahnke says. “It will help you later in your life. Once you go to college it will help and it just helps you figure out about yourself—and the farm.”

AUDIO: Leigh Jahnke (3:40 MP3)

A total of $10,500 in scholarships will be awarded to contest winners and runners-up. Winners will be recognized at this year’s Nebraska State Fair.

The contest entry deadline is July 7, 2014.  For more information, go to nest529direct.com