The Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt held its inaugural Money Smart Essay Contest for high school seniors in southwest Wisconsin during Money Smart Week, March 30-April 6.
Students from Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, and Rock County had the opportunity to write an essay about how they plan to finance their college education for a chance to win one of three $1,000 Edvest gift cards. Gift card sponsors included Oregon Community Bank, Oregon; Park Bank, Madison; and Settlers Bank, Windsor, among other financial supporters
Members of the Coalition reviewed and scored 43 essay submissions based on criteria including research, identifying funding sources for college, and explaining how school choice will further the student’s career.
Throughout the month of May, Coalition members traveled the southwest corner of the state awarding the scholarships and presenting the Edvest gift cards. Congratulations to the following winners:
- Kianna Jenswold – Jefferson High School
- Alyssa Kuhn – Waunankee High School
- Hannah Wilson – Beloit Memorial High School
“We are proud to support these deserving students as they continue their education,” said Wisconsin Bankers Foundation Executive Director Mike Semmann. “Wisconsin’s banks have always been strong supporters of their communities, and this is just one more example of that long-standing tradition.”
Organizations participating in the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt include: Ascendium Education (f/n/a Great Lakes Higher Education); Boys & Girls Club; Fair Opportunity Project; GreenPath Financial Wellness; Herzing University; Madison Metropolitan School District; Medical College of Wisconsin; Navient; Summit Credit Union; University of Wisconsin; Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin; UW Credit Union; WEAC; Western Technical College; Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; Wisconsin Bankers Foundation; Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.