Statewide We Care Winner Announced

Four Georgia Children Win $1,529 Each for College

Recipients of the We Care, Child Care Sweepstakes Announced in Atlanta, Albany,

Alto and East Dublin

ATLANTA, December 10, 2024 - The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and Georgia's Path2College 529 Plantoday announced that four Georgia children were each awarded $1,529 for their college savings as winners of the We Care, Child Care Sweepstakes. Additionally, the winners' child care facilities also won $1,529 through the sweepstakes.

This is the 10th year that DECAL and Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan have partnered to offer Georgia children an opportunity to win money for college. Winners were randomly selected from each of four regions in Georgia - Metro Atlanta, Southeast, North and South.

We Care, Child Care winners for 2024 include:

• Atlanta: Jer'Riyah Willingham and Dunbar Elementary
• Alto: Serenity York and Providence Academy
• Albany: Elisha Odom and Rochelle's Angels
• East Dublin: Abigail Howell and Humpty Dumpty Learning Center

"Our partnership with the Department of Early Care and Learning through the We Care, Child Care Sweepstakes - now in its tenth year - helps us shine a spotlight on the benefits of wise financial planning for future education," said Treasurer Steve McCoy. "Establishing an early financial foundation is key for families to maximize what is possible."

"Helping families jump-start their child's educational path is in our DNA," added DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. "We are thrilled that these families as well as their child care programs are getting a financial boost through our collaboration with Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan."

The sweepstakes opened in July 2024 to Georgia families whose children (age 13 or younger) attend a DECAL-licensed child care program. Past winners have included families from more than 30 cities and towns across Georgia from Atlanta to Savannah, and Hiawassee to Albany. The partnership has awarded more than $62,000 to 43 future college-bound students and has helped inform families about saving for college through Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan.

About Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan

Path2College is Georgia's official and only 529 plan and allows families to take advantage of a generous Georgia state income tax deduction, tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals when used for education. Contributions up to $8,000 per year, per beneficiary, are eligible for a Georgia state income tax deduction for those filing a joint return; and $4,000 per year, per beneficiary, for those filing a single return. Savings in the state's Path2College 529 Plan can be used at accredited schools in the United States and some abroad, and savings can be used for a vocational/technical education, a traditional four-year degree, post-graduate work as well as K-12 education. Accounts can be opened with as little as $25.

For more information about the Path2College 529 Plan or to open an account, please visit www.Path2College529.comor call (877) 424-4377.

To learn more about Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at path2college529.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Path2College 529 Plan. 4047724-1226

Contacts:

Path2College Plan

[email protected]

Path2College media contacts:

Melissa Sanders | Meredith Fletcher | Mitch Leff

[email protected]

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