Education Trust of Alaska marks 25 years of helping families save for college

Education Trust of Alaska marks 25 years of helping families save for college

April 17, 2026

By Lael Oldmixon, Executive Director, Education Trust of Alaska

It's 529 Friday, and we have something significant to celebrate. On April 17, 2001, the Education Trust of Alaska launched three 529 plans: Alaska 529, T. Rowe Price 529 and John Hancock Freedom 529, embarking on a mission to help hundreds of thousands of families save for education and training after high school.

My team and I are proud to celebrate a quarter-century of partnership with T. Rowe Price and John Hancock Investments. This collaboration has always been more than just a contract - it is a shared commitment to building a bridge to the future.

To our savers: Thank you for trusting us with your dreams.

Alaska didn't just participate in the 529 movement; we helped lead the way:

• The 1980s: As tuition inflation soared, the University of Alaska's Jim Lynch helped spearhead national efforts to make higher education more affordable.
• 1991: The University of Alaska launched Advance College Tuition, a pioneer program allowing families to lock in tuition rates.
• 2001: The Education Trust of Alaska was established, with the University of Alaska serving as trustee, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership with T. Rowe Price. Alaska's three 529 plans officially launched.

What began as a visionary idea has grown into a national leader in the 529 industry:

• $11.5 billion in assets under management*
• More than 316,000 beneficiaries supported nationwide*
• 14,000 Alaskans who prioritize their future by contributing at least half of their annual PFD

This milestone is a testament to the oversight of the University of Alaska Board of Regents, our dedicated staff and the world-class investment expertise of our partners.

Here's to the next 25 years of supporting the next generation of learners.

Want to know more about Alaska 529?

Alaska 529 offers the 529 Friday webinar series on the third Friday of each month. This free informational webinar is open and available to all UA employees interested in planning for their own or a loved one's future education costs. These 30-minute sessions provide valuable insights on the benefits of a 529 education savings plan, payroll direct deposit and other savings benefits available to UA employees. Join at 11 a.m. on the third Friday of every month, with a new topic featured each session. Email questions to [email protected]. Join via Zoom: alaska.zoom.us/j/89920449989 Passcode: 529

*As of December 2025