Money Smart Essay Contest

We’re proud to share that the Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship winners have been selected!

This program helps empower families to take meaningful steps toward education savings and financial confidence.

Thank you to everyone who participated—and congratulations to our winners!

Money Smart week is April 6-12, 2026

Win a College Scholarship

In celebration of Money Smart Wisconsin (April 6 - 12, 2026), the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt, along with its partner organizations, is excited to announce the 7th annual Money Smart 2026 Scholarship Contest. We invite Wisconsin's graduating high school seniors to participate by answering this year's Money Smart Question for a chance to win one of several $1,000 scholarships in the form of a contribution to a new or existing Edvest 529 college savings plan account.

How do you plan to be money smart and future ready?  

Student loan debt in Wisconsin for students who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2025 averaged $32,619. About two-thirds of all college students take out loans to pay for their educational costs.

We are eager to learn about your plan to finance your college education. Through your essay, demonstrate your ability to think critically, plan realistically, and show how you are preparing for the financial responsibilities of college and beyond.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Direct all questions to: MoneySmart@debtsmarts.org
    (Attn: Cheryl Rapp)

  • Winners’ names may be shared with their high school for recognition at award ceremonies

  • Award recipients will only be notified between April 6–21, 2026

  • All submitted essays become the property of the WI Coalition on Student Debt and may be used to promote financial literacy

All submissions must be received before midnight on March 6, 2026.

Thank you to our Money Smart Wisconsin 2026 Sponsors:

YEAR 2025 Money Smart Scholarship Winners

Fifteen Wisconsin high school seniors were awarded $1,000 each for their winning essays on how they plan to finance their college education and career training.

YEAR 2024 Money Smart Contest Winners

The scholarship recipients demonstrated thoughtful college planning and thinking about budgeting. Read more about it on the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions news release.