As the state of Georgia kicks off College Savings Month, one lucky Pine Mountain baby was awarded $5,529 for her college savings. Elsa Hardage received a contribution to herPath2College 529 Plan account as the winner of the 2020 Path2College Newborn Sweepstakes. Hardage’s grandmother, Linda Butler, entered her in the sweepstakes.

"This is a blessing to our family! It was our desire to start a college fund for our grandchildren while they were still young, so this is giving us a great head start,” said Butler. “We would like them to have the opportunity to receive a higher education, without a heavy financial burden. We are so grateful!”

The Newborn Sweepstakes was established in 2011 to encourage new parents to learn about the resources the state of Georgia offers for educational financial planning.

“While it’s never too late to start saving, reaching new parents and encouraging them to start saving as early as possible is a great way to build a strong financial foundation,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. “Saving small amounts over time will have a huge impact on a child’s college savings, and there is no better time to start than now.”

Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, where Hardage was born, also receives $1,529 as part of the sweepstakes.

“Path2College529 is an incredible program and we are so excited for the winner this year and extremely grateful to receive a gift to our Children’s Hospital in honor of Elsa!” said Aline Lasseter, Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation Executive Director. “This gift will be used to advance programs and services for our youngest patients treated at the Children’s Hospital.”

 To date, Path2College has awarded more than $55,000 to Georgia children and more than $15,000 to Georgia hospitals through its Newborn Sweepstakes.

Path2College is once again offering Georgians the opportunity for their new baby to win money for college. Parents, grandparents and guardians of Georgia babies born in 2021 may go to www.Path2College529.com until April 14, 2022, for official rules, prize details and to enter for a chance to win the 2021 Newborn Sweepstakes.  Entrants must be legal residents or taxpayers of Georgia and at least 18 years of age to enter.  No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited. Sponsored by the Path2College 529 Plan.

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