Kameron Moore has dreams of being a firefighter one day. But the 6-year-old Hinesville resident already has a head start on paying for college.
Moore was awarded $1,529 for his college savings as one of four statewide winners of the We Care, Child Care Sweepstakes.
“I am so thankful that my son was one of the four winners of the Path2College Sweepstakes. I entered the sweepstakes not thinking we would win, honestly, but good things come to those who wait,” said Ireon Moore, Kameron’s mom, who entered him in the sweepstakes. “I’m so appreciative of the extra hands in my son’s future. Education is one of the biggest keys to success, and knowing my son’s education is secure by starting to prepare for it now, gives me a peace of mind I can’t even begin to describe. I am so grateful for this opportunity for him and any amount will make it easier once it’s time to send the kids to college.”
Along with $1,529 that goes into a 529 savings account for Kameron, Heavenly Place Learning Center also received $1,529. Interim executive director Petula Gomillion said the child care center will use that to assist families in need of tuition assistance.
“We are extremely excited that one of our students was selected as a winner for the ‘We Care, Child Care Sweepstakes.’ This was a great opportunity for our student and our childcare facility,” Gomillion said.
September is College Savings Month, Georgia Student Finance Commission executive director Mitch Seabaugh pointed out. The state also offers up to an $8,000 income tax deduction for contributions into a 529 account.
Seabaugh said events such as this one help raise the awareness of the need to save for college and to let people know about the 529 plan’s benefits.
This is the ninth year that the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan have partnered to offer Georgia children an opportunity to win money for college through the sweepstakes.
Kameron’s mom said he loves numbers and loves the weather and hopes he can put that to use after college. She said she plans to add to his college savings account.
“I’m very happy and excited for him,” she said. “I hope he appreciates it later in life and chooses a great college.”
Ireon Moore also said she will be happy with whatever college Kameron chooses to attend — “as long as it’s LSU.”
This year, 6,477 children were entered in the sweepstakes.
“We are excited to partner with the Department of Early Care and Learning to promote saving for education through the We Care, Child Care Sweepstakes,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. “Our mission at the Georgia Student Finance Commission is to help students pursue higher education with the least out-ofpocket costs possible. This sweepstakes has awarded more than $95,000 to Georgia children for their college savings while increasing awareness of the benefits of saving regularly over time.”
The sweepstakes awarded four Georgia children with a $1,529 college savings contribution, and winners were randomly selected from each of four regions in Georgia — Metro Atlanta, Southeast, North and South Georgia.
“Congratulations to the families and child care facilities that won this year’s We Care, Child Care sweepstakes,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “At DECAL we focus on laying a solid academic foundation on which a child’s school and workforce career can be built. The Path2College 529 Plan helps a family lay a solid financial foundation to support that child’s higher ed or workforce plans. Together, we can help make a student’s dreams come true.”
For more information about the Path2College 529 Plan or to open a college savings account, please visit www.Path-2College529.com or call (877) 424-4377.
To learn more about Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses please see the Plan Description at path2college529.com.