NEWS ARCHIVE

If you're not sure what family members can give your child for a holiday, birthday, or other special occasion, consider the lifelong gift of an education. Family and friends can now contribute to an existing University of Alaska College Savings Plan by completing and returning the Gift Contribution Slip with a gift contribution of $50 or more. We've also included an Acknowledgment Form that can be used to announce the gift to the recipient.

Having friends and family contribute to your UA College Savings Plan can help you reach your college savings goals quicker and is a gift that can actually grow in value over time.

See page one of the Gift Contribution Slip for instructions on how you can get started and share this gift idea with friends and family.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 29, 2008)—If you are like most people, the current market conditions can cause concern when you see your long-term investment accounts, including college savings and retirement plans, losing their value. The College Savings Plans Network (CSPN)—the leading voice in the 529 industry—cannot provide specific investment advice, but encourages people to keep the following principles in mind when making decisions about their college savings accounts during tough economic times:

1. Stay focused on your long-term objectives. The market will always move in up and down cycles. Don't let emotions affect your financial decisions. It's important to stay focused on long-term investment returns versus reacting to short-terms losses. Look at the performance of your college savings account since inception of the funds or over the past three years, as well as shorter-term performance.
   
   
2. Diversify your investments. Invest in a mix of stock, bond and cash investment options, or in an age-based option which typically provides this sort of mix. Age-based options manage the risk for you by automatically shifting the asset allocation of your investments to more conservative options as your child nears college age. Ready-made balanced options invest in a pre-determined mix of funds. You can also create your own diversified mix of investments by selecting from individual stock, bond and cash-based options (such as money market, certificate of deposit, or guaranteed principle options) your plan may offer.
   
   
3. If you must make changes—make them gradually. It can be tempting to react to market volatility by making a spur-of-the moment decision to reallocate your funds (exchanging one investment option for another) especially if you have a child close to college age and you are not in an age-based option or a conservative investment option. If you feel you are overly invested in equities (stocks) and your child is approaching college age, you could consider two options to help you diversify: 1) invest any new funds into more conservative options; 2) reallocate your equity options to more conservative options. You may want to consider moving the funds gradually so as to not lock in, or realize, all of your losses and to be able to take advantage of a market recovery.
   
   
4. Understand the limitation on reallocations. You are allowed two reallocations between investment options in your 529 plan in the 2009 calendar year. If you have already made two reallocations on your account this year, you cannot make another change until 2010. However, you can redirect new contributions at any time.
   
   
5. Make regular investments. Making regular contributions in fixed amounts through bank account drafts or payroll deduction can help you reduce market risk. Often referred to as "dollar-cost averaging," this approach lessens the risk of investing a large amount in a single investment at the wrong time. By buying smaller amounts over a longer period of time, more shares are purchased when prices are low, and fewer shares are bought when prices are high. Eventually, the average cost per share will become smaller and smaller.
   
   
6. Invite family to help. Still feel as though you are losing ground? Ask your family and friends to help build your college savings by contributing to your account as a holiday or birthday gift. Many plans offer gift certificate forms or contribution slips to facilitate making a contribution as a gift.
   
   
7. Talk to your plan provider. If you have specific questions about your 529 savings or prepaid plan, call your plan provider. They can address your questions or concerns directly over the phone. For contact information, visit CollegeSavings.org and click on the "My State's 529 Plan" button.
   
   

The fastest way to request a distribution is by phone. Call 800-478-0003 to make your request. Phone representatives are available Monday-Friday 4a.m.-6p.m. Alaska time and on Saturdays 4:30a.m.-1p.m. Alaska time. Distribution requests must come from the Account Holder.

University of Alaska students can request that their funds be sent electronically to the University. You will need to provide the following information:

• UA College Savings Plan Account number
• UA ID number
• The name of the UA campus the student is attending
• Semester the funds are for

Need to send a check directly to the school? You will need to provide the following information:

• UA College Savings Plan Account number
• Name of the institution
• Student ID number and
• Billing address for the school

We can also mail checks to the account holder or the beneficiary.

The UA College Savings Plan is giving away two $1,500 scholarship accounts! Enter for your chance to win at the Tanana Valley State Fair or the Alaska State Fair. Visit us in the Borealis Pavilion during the Tanana Valley State Fair Aug. 7-15th, 2009 or in Raven Hall during the Alaska State Fair Aug. 27th -Sept. 7th, 2009 to enter your child in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,500 UA College Savings Plan Account.

To be eligible for the drawing, the child must be 14 years old or younger and have parent or guardian consent. Each drawing will be held after the conclusion of the fair. The drawing is open to all U.S. residents or resident aliens. For more information, please visit the UA College Savings Plan's booth or call 907-474-5671.

Kiplinger.com recently recognized five national 529 plans based on a number of different criteria. One of those plans was The T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan, brought to you by The Education Trust of Alaska, which was named as one of the country's top 529 plans by Kiplinger's.* It noted that "The prefab portfolios offered by 529 plans are only as good as their underlying mutual funds. That's why we like [Alaska's] T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan. The plan's most expensive option costs just 0.96% annually."

Kiplinger.com also recognized state-specific plans for their particular features and benefits. The article noted: "We like the University of Alaska College Savings Plan if your kid will attend school in state. It is identical to [Alaska's] T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan, except the University of Alaska College Savings Plan offers the ACT portfolio option, which guarantees protection from tuition inflation if the proceeds are used to attend the University of Alaska."

The UA College Savings Plan is a simple, effective way to invest for a child's future. The plan can be used for any eligible private college, public university, graduate school or vocational school in the country. Any account earnings are tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free if they're used to pay qualified educational expenses. Enroll through your annual PFD application or directly online. You can contact the UA College Savings Plan at 907-474-5671 with any questions.

Save in Alaska. Study Anywhere.

*Kiplinger.com, 6/26/09. Based on the plan's underlying mutual fund options and low expenses. All funds are subject to market risk, including possible loss of principal. To read the Kiplinger's article, click here.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (February 13, 2009) — The College Savings Plans Network (CSPN), an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST), announced today that the economic stimulus bill before Congress today contains a significant enhancement to Section 529 college savings plans. CSPN worked closely with leaders in Congress to allow families to use money from 529 college savings plans to purchase computers and related technology. Until enactment of this legislation, these college savings accounts could be used to pay for computers only if they were required by the college or by a specific degree program or course.

"Given the increasing technological needs of today's students, it makes sense for computers to be allowed as a qualified expense under Section 529 plans. The reality is that any student who does not have a computer will find it increasingly difficult to succeed in college and will find their skills compromised as they enter the workforce," said Jackie Williams, executive director of the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority, and Immediate Past Chair and spokesperson for CSPN. "We applaud the President, Senator Max Baucus, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Congress for continuing to provide leadership on education issues by working to improve Section 529 plans to help American families save and use these important plans for their children's higher education expenses."

SOURCE: College Savings Plans Network (CSPN)
Founded in 1991, the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) is an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). CSPN is a non-profit association representing states who administer Section 529 college savings and prepaid plans. One of the Network's primary purposes is to educate families about the importance of saving for college and the benefits of Section 529 plans. Additionally, CSPN monitors federal activities and promotes legislative and regulatory changes to enhance Section 529 plans.

TurboTax discounts are now available from T. Rowe Price.

Our new Personal PFD Planner is an interactive tool that you can use to see how saving even half a Permanent Fund Dividend each year can grow over time.

"It's a cool tool created to show Alaskans the potential future value of PFDs saved today," said Program Director Linda Luper.

Click here to explore the Personal PFD Planner.

If you are an Alaska resident eligible for the PFD, you can designate half of your—and/or your children's—PFD to be directly invested in the UA College Savings Plan. Simply check the box on line 6 of your PFD application every year to automatically invest in your child's future, today.

No matter what your financial situation, investing in the UA College Savings Plan can help you achieve your individual college savings goals.

Information for Those Who May Be Eligible for a Barnes & Noble Gift Card.

September was designated College Savings Month in Alaska and the UA College Savings Plan offered a $50 Barnes & Noble Gift card to anyone who opened a new account during the promotion period.

An Account Holder was entitled to receive one gift card per new Account for each unique, new Beneficiary, regardless of the number of Accounts (or Investments Options) opened for that Beneficiary during the month of September. An Account Holder could open Accounts for as many different Beneficiaries as he or she wished and will receive one card for each Beneficiary. Current Account Holders opening additional accounts for their existing Beneficiaries were not eligible to receive a gift card. Any account established through a PFD application was excluded from this promotion.

If you opened a new account in September, and meet the criteria above, you should be receiving your $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card by the end of November.

If you did not open a new account in September, consider opening a new account today. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or friend, opening a new account for your child or loved one is a smart, simple way to put aside money for future college tuition and other educational expenses. Savings in the UA College Savings Plan can be used to attend any eligible college, in or out of Alaska. There are potential tax benefits—and there are no sales charges or commissions. Therefore, more of your money can be put to work to help you reach your college savings goals.

For further details about our Plan click here.

Today there is great news for Alaska families—saving for college can come with a payoff! This September is College Savings Month and to celebrate, the UA College Savings Plan is offering a $50 Barnes & Noble* Gift Card to anyone who opens a new account during the Month of September.

An Account Holder is entitled to receive one gift card per new Account for each unique, new Beneficiary, regardless of the number of Accounts (or Investments Options) opened for that Beneficiary. An Account Holder can open Accounts for as many different Beneficiaries as he or she wishes and will receive one card for each Beneficiary. Account Holders opening additional accounts for their existing Beneficiaries are not eligible to receive a gift card. Any account established through a PFD application is excluded from this promotion. The gift card will be sent to the Account Holder at the end of the promotion, provided the account is funded.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or friend, opening a new account for your child or loved one is a smart, simple way to put aside money for future college tuition and other educational expenses. Savings in the UA College Savings Plan can be used to attend any eligible college, in or out of Alaska. There are potential tax benefits - and there are no sales charges or commissions. Therefore, more of your money can be put to work to help you reach your college savings goals.

A child's future is one of the most important investments you'll ever make and now can be a great time to start saving. By starting now, you can make a big difference in a child's future, and you'll even receive a gift for your efforts.

For further details about our Plan click here.

*Certain restrictions apply. Barnes & Noble is not a sponsor or co-sponsor of this promotion. Please see back of gift card for terms and conditions of use. Barnes & Noble is not liable for any alleged or actual claims related to this offer.

The College Savings Plans Network (CSPN), an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST), is strongly encouraging parents and grandparents to invest all or part of their economic stimulus refund in the future college education of their child or grandchild. As tuition continues to escalate at twice the rate of inflation, it is important for parents to invest now to make college more affordable and attainable for future generations.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million U.S. households. The payments are part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which was signed into law by the President in February. The Act is designed to stimulate the U.S. economy by putting money back into the hands of taxpayers, with the expectation that it will be reinvested in the economy through the purchase of goods and services.

"With today's economy, we understand that families are looking forward to this refund as a means of paying off debt and taking care of day-to-day expenses; however, another financial obstacle is just a few years down the road for many parents," said Linda Luper, executive director of the University of Alaska College Savings Plan. "We are encouraging parents to take a look at their overall financial state and develop a plan for the future. Starting to save now or making an additional contribution to a 529 college savings plan will only help avoid student loans and future debt."

The University of Alaska College Savings Program and the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) have expanded the "I Know I Can" outreach effort to first- and second-graders in 32 classrooms across the state this year, up from six classrooms last year. Alumni volunteers read the colorful "I Know I Can" picture book to an estimated 730 schoolchildren across the state on May 1 and 2.

"I Know I Can" features animal characters encouraging children to consider college and career choices, and to start thinking about those choices now. The University and ACPE started the program last year.

Alumni volunteers from the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and University of Alaska Southeast read the book aloud and gave away free copies of the book to an estimated 730 children.

The book shows a group of animal characters trying to determine what they want to be when they grow up, with guidance from their teacher, Mrs. Walker. A mouse donning a cap and gown hides on each page, thinking "I know I can" to himself as the story unfolds. "You should start planning for college now," Mrs. Walker says. "You can begin by coming to school every day and doing all of your work the very best you can."

"Young children are very receptive to discussing life goals, even how college might fit within their ideas and dreams," Linda Luper, director of the UA College Savings Plan, said. "At least some post-secondary training and education is needed for most of the jobs on the market these days. Children should be encouraged at an early age to think about all of their options, including college."

After reading the book, alumni volunteers asked the students to draw a postcard showing what they want to be when they grow up.When the participating children complete elementary school, the postcard will be mailed back to them to remind them of their goals.

This year the program included Muldoon Elementary in Anchorage, Barnett Magnet School in Fairbanks, North Pole Elementary in North Pole, Gastineau Elementary in Douglas, and both Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat and Ayaprun Elitnauruvik Schools in Bethel. The project was fully funded by the UA College Savings Plan. "I Know I Can" is a nonprofit organization based in Ohio.

Congratulations to this year's Alaska Boys & Girls Clubs (BGCA) Youth of the Year Monica Edwards! On Wednesday, March 12, Monica and seven other finalists competed in Juneau for three UA College Savings Plan college scholarships and an opportunity to attend Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Youth of the Year competition.

Monica, age 15, has been a member of the Tok Boys & Girls Club since it opened its doors in 2001. She is a positive role model in the Clubhouse, in her school, and to her community. She holds a 3.9 GPA at Tok High School and plays volleyball and basketball. She serves her community and Clubhouse with a positive attitude. Monica stated, "The Club has been more than an important part of my life, it has been a home."

In winning this competition, Monica received a $5,000 scholarship courtesy of the UA College Savings Plan (UACSP), a $4,000 college stipend from Boys & Girls Clubs and a $1,500 contribution from the Reader's Digest Foundation for a total award package of $10,500.

Brandi Patterson, of Metlakatla, is the first runner-up and received a $3,000 UACSP scholarship. Megan Hanks, of Fort Wainwright, is the second runner-up and received a $1,500 UACSP scholarship.

Youth of the Year is a year-round program that fosters young people's character development, personal growth and leadership qualities. The program celebrates service to the Club, community, and family; academic performance; moral character; life goals; poise and public speaking.