NextGen Goes Pro

The Maine Red Claws, Portland Pirates and Portland Sea Dogs mascots came together today to announce their partnership with the NextGen 529 College Investing Plan. Collectively the teams will provide eleven $1,000 scholarships for Maine students. The assembly of these team mascots comes as the Red Claws and Pirates join the Sea Dogs in launching their own scholarships through the NextGen Plan.

With expenses rising every year, it’s more important than ever to start saving and investing early for college. These new scholarships will help bring the dream of attending college one step closer for Maine families. Placed in a NextGen 529 plan from the start, these scholarships will help the winners take their first steps on campus.

“With the cost of college going up every year, the power of these scholarships and the NextGen College Savings Program can't be underestimated,” said Geoff Iacuessa, the General Manager of the Portland Sea Dogs.

Each year the Sea Dogs receive thousands of essays from students across the state. “It is tough to pick just three winners but hopefully getting students and their families to think about college, through these essays, will not only inspire them to continue their education but will also get parents to look into the NextGen College Savings Program. We’re thankful for the Maine Red Claws and the Portland Pirates for joining us this year. By these teams stepping up and creating their own scholarship programs, more Maine students are getting the opportunity and incentive to further their education.”

The criteria for the scholarships are decided by each individual team. In conjunction with the NextGen Most Improved Student Program, the Portland Sea Dogs award $1,000 NextGen Field of Dreams Scholarships to three deserving students in each grade level: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Students are asked to respond to a topic selected by the Sea Dogs in an essay (for the older contestants) or submitting a picture (for the younger contestants). The winners are selected prior to the Sea Dogs’ NextGen Field of Dreams game and awarded the scholarship at the game.

The Portland Pirates will also award a $1,000 3-Stars Scholarship to three deserving students in each grade category: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Students will be asked to respond to a topic selected by the Pirates by submitting an essay (or a picture for the younger contestants). Winners are selected prior to the Portland Pirates’ final regular season game and awarded the scholarship during the game.

 “This is a terrific opportunity for the Portland Pirates to partner with NextGen in a scholarship program which will have meaningful financial impact on a young student’s future educational expenses,” said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek. “We are looking forward to seeing the quality work that will be submitted by prospective candidates and we will be encouraging all students to enter this exciting 3-Stars Scholarship Program.”

“Studies have shown that children with college funds are more likely to picture themselves going to college and that by 4th grade, children have already started to formulate an idea that they are or are not college material,” said Jon Jennings, Red Claws President and General Manager.

The Red Claws are asking schools to nominate 4th grade students in whom they see potential but perhaps that student doesn’t see it in themselves. “Our hope is that these scholarships will provide that spark that will make them think ‘I can go to college, too’ and will give their parents a way to help make that goal come true.”

NextGen helps families make the dream of attending college possible. Since its launch in 1999, the breadth of investment choices has increased from just one option, to now over 39 investment portfolios between the NextGen Client Direct and Select Series. There are many benefits that come from an investment in a NextGen plan, including potential tax savings, control and choice over your investment options, low investment minimums and plenty of flexibility in choices. Visit www.famemaine.com for more information on how to enroll.