Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Winners of PA 529 Day Promotion

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the winners of this year's PA 529 Day Promotion, who will be receiving a $5,529 deposit into their PA 529 accounts to help save for future education expenses. This year's winners are Sharwan Choudhary, Erie County; Yevgeniya Updyke, Allegheny County; Craig Litchfield, Tioga County; Kara Connors, Dauphin County; Joel Heintzelman, Luzerne County; and Deepali Biswal, Delaware County.

"Every child deserves the chance to pursue their dreams, and PA 529 can help families turn those dreams into reality. I'm proud that Treasury can help families grow their education savings through PA 529, preparing their children for success - no matter where the future takes them or what career path they choose."

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity

As a result of this year's PA 529 Day promotion in May, more than 3,200 new PA 529 accounts were opened with nearly $72 million in contributions made, surpassing last year's record-setting participation.

The PA 529 Day Promotion offered more than $33,000 in awards to boost savings for families across Pennsylvania. To be eligible, account owners must have contributed at least $10 to a PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or PA 529 Investment Plan (IP) account between May 1 and May 31 and be a Pennsylvania resident. Winners were selected at random.

"Oh my God, I was so happy. I am really happy because, you know, any amount for your college is a great help."

Award Winner, Deepali Biswal

"I think it's such a wonderful program that you let individuals other than the parents sign-up and do this. My niece and nephews are so important to me and my family, and I really want to be able to help them with their future in some way."

Award Winner, Kara Connors

"I wanted to start saving as soon as possible so my children can pursue their dreams and PA 529 is a great program to help me save for their education."

Award Winner, Joel Heintzelman

There are over 343,000 PA 529 accounts with more than $10 billion saved. Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has cut PA 529 fees numerous times, including five consecutive years of waived fees for PA 529 GSP accounts, resulting in nearly $28 million in savings for Pennsylvania families.

The PA 529 program has been helping families save and pay for education for more than 30 years. There are two PA 529 plans, the PA 529 GSP, which allows families to save at today's tuition rates to meet tomorrow's tuition costs, and the Morningstar Gold-Rated PA 529 IP, which allows families to choose from a variety of investment options.

Both plans offer state and federal tax advantages, and PA 529 assets don't impact a student's eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. PA 529 accounts can be used for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, and apprenticeship expenses like tuition, fees, books, equipment, room and board, and more.

Visit pa529.com to learn more about saving with PA 529.

To learn more about Pennsylvania Treasury, visit patreasury.gov and be sure to stay up to date with all Pennsylvania Treasury news on Facebook (PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity) and Instagram (@PATreasury).