inspiring and educating hearts, minds, and hands
P R E - K– G R A D E 5
529 of the IRS tax code, which encourages saving for future
educational purposes through a tax-advantaged plan. In
Pennsylvania, there are two options available: the PA 529
Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or the PA 529 Investment Plan
(IP). Each plan requires a certain amount of money down (as
little as $15) and both plans can be used at most post-secondary
schools, including colleges, universities, technical and
professional schools, or even elementary or secondary public,
private, or religious schools. Another benefit is that neither of
these plans is limited to in-state tuition.
The biggest difference between the two plans is the way your
money is invested and how it’s managed. The GSP allows you
to choose the type of school or tuition level to save toward,
then the PA Treasury manages your investments from there.
The benefit is that your savings continues to grow with tuition
inflation. The IP gives you more freedom to invest your savings
into a variety of 17 different investment options, but your
money is more fluid, allowing you to lose or gain depending on
market conditions.
There are several other options available when starting to
save for a minor, including educational savings account (ES),
Uniform Transfer/Gift to Minors Act, custodial accounts, or
simply putting money under your mattress. No matter what
route you choose, it’s never too early to start saving.
GRADES 6–8
GRADES 9–12
TRADE SCHOOLS
Over the past 30 years, the cost to attend a four-year college
has increased by 213 percent, leaving many college graduates
searching for ways to repay their student loans. Some high
school seniors are looking to avoid the hefty price tag of a four-
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year degree and instead opting to attend a trade or technical
school. Trade school enrollment continues to increase since the
early 2000s, but a steep decline in vocational education in the
1980s and ‘90s led to a shortage of blue-collar workers across
the nation. Trying to gain back skilled workers has led to an
increase in wages, enticing students and parents alike to see past
the old stigma of choosing a trade school over college. Here are
a few of the best trades or vocations available.
• Air Traffic Controller – With a few years of intense training
and a certification by the FAA, air traffic controllers are
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