Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest Awards $15,000

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), in partnership with Edvest 529, Wisconsin’s direct-sold 529 college savings plan, and the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt (Coalition), today announced this year’s Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest recipients. Fifteen Wisconsin high school seniors will receive a scholarship, in the form of a $1,000 contribution to a new or existing Edvest 529 account, for their winning essay submission on how they plan to finance their college education and career training. Nine of the 15 scholarship recipients are first-generation college students.

Please join the DFI, Edvest 529, and the Coalition in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients:

• Grace Bellante, Muskego High School, Muskego
• Amber Brandenburg, DeForest High School, DeForest
• Mazie Braun, Muskego High School, Muskego
• Cailyn Brockman, DeForest High School, DeForest
• Krish Ghelani, Franklin High School, Franklin
• Owen Goergen, Westosha Central High School, Salem Lakes
• Zach Kiefer, Nicolet High School, Glendale
• Truman Lamers, Rhinelander High School, Rhinelander
• Brooke Lawton , Baraboo High School, Baraboo
• Rubi Jo Mulder, Central Wisconsin Christian School, Waupun
• Michaela Peeter, Kaukauna High School, Kaukauna
• Mikayla Rogers, Oostburg High School, Oostburg
• Isabella Wallin, Rice Lake High School, Rice Lake
• Melia Warner, New Richmond High School, New Richmond
• Samantha Young, Clayton High School, Clayton

“We are thrilled to recognize the scholarship recipients for their outstanding essay submissions, which reflect their thoughtful and strategic plans for funding their college education and career training,” said DFI Secretary-designee Wendy K. Baumann. “These students have demonstrated impressive financial acumen and foresight. Their commitment to enhancing their financial literacy is commendable, as it sets a solid foundation for their future endeavors. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to supporting them on their academic journeys through this scholarship, empowering them to reach their goals and excel in their chosen fields.”

Members of the Coalition reviewed and scored the 304 essay submissions they received based on how well the students had estimated their higher education costs, identified funding sources for paying for those costs, including explaining how the financial aid process works, and formulated plans for managing their finances, schoolwork, and any job responsibilities while staying focused on their academic and career goals.

“The submissions revealed not only the students’ critical thinking and realistic planning skills but also their remarkable awareness of the financial responsibilities that lie ahead,” said Coalition Executive Director Carole Trone. “Each essay reflected a commitment to their future and offered innovative strategies for navigating the complexities of higher education financing. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their thoughtful submissions and commend the winners for their outstanding efforts in articulating a vision for success. Their determination and foresight inspire us all as they embark on their exciting higher education journeys.”

The Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest is a part of Money Smart Wisconsin Week, a financial literacy awareness and education campaign, taking place this week, April 5-12, 2025.

“Money Smart Wisconsin Week is the perfect time for Wisconsinites to start or continue saving for college and career training with the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program and its two college savings plans – Edvest 529, a direct-sold plan, and Tomorrow’s Scholar, available through financial advisors and fee-only planners,” said DFI Financial Capability Director Jessica Wetzel. “Starting early and making consistent, even modest, contributions to an account over time can really add up, helping students and families avoid an overreliance on student loans down the road.”

Taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to contribute to an existing 529 college savings account, or open and contribute to a new account, to be eligible for the 2024 state income tax deduction. To learn more, register to attend a free Edvest 529 webinar.

Sponsors of the scholarship contest include: Ascendium Education Group, the Coalition, the DFI, Educators Credit Union, Edvest 529, SecureFutures, Summit Credit Union, and UW Credit Union. For more information, review the 2025 Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest webpage or send an email to MoneySmart@debtsmarts.org.