The National Association of Counties and Nationwide are accepting applications for a scholarship, honoring their 39 years of partnership.
Are you Eligible?
- Be a high-school senior
- Have a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian enrolled in and actively contributing to a 457 (b) plan offered through the NACo Deferred Compensation Program
- Be a U.S. citizen
- enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study no later than the autumn term of the 2018-2019 school year at an accredited two- or four-year college
- NOT be an immediate family member of a of NACo employees, members of the NACo Defined Contribution and Retirement Advisory Committee or its governing board of directors, staff of individual state Association of Counties that are members of the LLC
- NOT be an employee of Nationwide employees
About the Program
The 13-year-old program allows high-school students to explore the transition into the next stage of life.
Young adults should understand the importance of preparing for a comfortable financial future as well as be aware of potential obstacles. The NACo/Nationwide essay contest allows the next generation of retirees to give insight into what retirement services looks like to them, a group of consumers whose purchase decision is years away. By the same token, educating our next generation on the importance of retirement savings will not only benefit the individual but their entire microsystems. The continued NACo/Nationwide partnership not only raises awareness in this vital area, it also continues the discussion and works to take the current retirement system to a whole new level. I expect great things from our 2018 winners. May their contributions be a ripple effect towards new and improved lifestyles.
– According to NACo’s President Roy Brooks
How to Apply
- Fill out the online application
- Submit an essay, 500 words or fewer
- Follow the essay prompt:
Young people often hear from parents and grandparents about the importance of saving and planning for their future. That can be tough advice to follow since most young people aren’t fluent in the language of money, yet are expected to make big financial decisions as early as in their teens. Retirement is decades away and many entry-level jobs, even for college graduates, don’t pay enough to make saving easy. Establishing a savings and investment plan early is one of the most important actions young people can take to protect their financial future. Provide two to three reasons why establishing a savings and investment plan early is important to you and how you plan on achieving your financial and savings goals.
4. Submit before March 5, 2018
Excerpts From Last Year’s Winners
My parents always taught me that financial stability is one of the most important freedoms. I am extremely grateful for their forethought to save money for my education. I’ll also follow my parents’ footsteps and participate in any 457(b) or 401(k) plans my employer may offer.
– Kaitlyn Galliher, Susquentina High School, Duncannon, PA
They offered a direct-deposit option. So, I signed up to have 25% of my paycheck placed into a savings account for college. It’s a great way to save money because I don’t need to take additional steps to move my money into savings every pay day.
– Hailee Sparks, Hudson Senior Hihg School, Hudson, Wisconsin
Apply now at www.nrsforu.com/scholarship.