LINCOLN, Neb. – First National Bank of Omaha and Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg have announced the kickoff of the NEST on the Farm Fun Photo $1,000 Drawing, which was be launched April 28 at the 147th Annual Arbor Day Celebration in Nebraska City.

Nebraska residents can submit farm- or ranch-themed photos taken of or by children 13 years old or younger to be eligible to win one of six $1,000 NEST 529 College Savings Plan contributions. Contest entries will be accepted both by mail and online at NEST529.com/scholarships. In addition, entries will be accepted on the NEST 529 Facebook page in a tab titled “NEST on the Farm,” where followers also can view other photo submissions. 

Deadline for submissions is June 30.

As part of the launch event, NEST 529 sponsored a booth at the Arbor Day festival and provided visitors with farm-themed photo props to take pictures, which may then be submitted for the drawing.

“We wanted to do something special this year by launching the scholarship drawing on Arbor Day weekend, in the very place where Arbor Day was born, Nebraska City,” said State Treasurer Stenberg. “We can think of no better way to introduce this scholarship opportunity than to weave it into the rich heritage of Nebraska, where agriculture drives our economy.”

To enter the NEST on the Farm drawing, the photographer or the subject must be 13 years old or younger as of June 30. Submissions will be split into two age groups: newborn to 5 years old and 6 to 13 years old. On or about July 15, NEST representatives will randomly select one winner from each age group in each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts. Six winners will receive $1,000 each in the form of a NEST 529 College Savings Plan contribution and will be recognized at the 2018 Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.

“By offering this scholarship, we aim to cultivate an appreciation for higher education in young people across the state, while also providing them with a unique and fun opportunity to save for the costs associated with attending college,” said Deborah Goodkin, managing director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha. “A simple snap of a photo in an agricultural setting makes this an easy and accessible way for Nebraska families to boost their savings, celebrate Nebraska’s proud farming heritage and plan for the future. We look forward to seeing this year’s round of creative – and adorable – entries.”

For scholarship contest rules, visit NEST529.com/scholarships. Contest rules also are available at treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships.