Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest

Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship Contest

Funder: 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

Program Status: Active and ongoing (2025 winners announced, 2026 application cycle underway)

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin high school seniors

Award Amount: $1,000 contribution to a new or existing Edvest 529 account per recipient; approximately 15 scholarships awarded annually for a total of $15,000

Focus Areas:

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Wisconsin resident
• Be a graduating high school senior
• Plan to attend a Wisconsin college or university
• Student or parent/guardian must have a valid Social Security Number
• Demonstrate basic money management knowledge
• Essays must be original and NOT AI-generated

Key Information

• Award funds are contributed to Edvest 529 college savings accounts
• Nine of 15 (2025) scholarship recipients were first-generation college students
• Scoring based on: estimation of higher education costs, identification of funding sources, explanation of financial aid process, and formulation of financial management plans
• Winners' names may be shared with their high schools for recognition at award ceremonies
• All submitted essays become property of the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt and may be used to promote financial literacy

Sponsors

• Ascendium Education Group
• Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt
• Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
• Educators Credit Union
• Edvest 529
• SecureFutures
• Summit Credit Union
• UW Credit Union

Contact Information

• Email: MoneySmart@debtsmarts.org
• Attn: Cheryl Rapp
• Media Contact: DFICommunications@dfi.wisconsin.gov
• Website: debtsmarts.org/scholarships