By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post
NEST 529-sponsored event to be held during Nebraska vs. Penn State basketball game
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska families still have time to enter their “future Husker” in the annual Husker Athletics Baby Race, set for Saturday, Feb. 21, during halftime of the University of Nebraska men’s basketball game against Penn State at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg said interest in the baby races continues to grow alongside the popularity of Husker basketball.
“The Husker baby races are soaring in popularity — just like University of Nebraska basketball,” Spellerberg said. “This contest is a fantastic way to spotlight Nebraska’s educational savings program, as well as the critical mission of the University of Nebraska — a leader of innovation — as it trains the next generation to grow our state and the 21st century economy.”
Parents can submit entries online through Feb. 12 at huskers.com/babyraces. Contestants will be selected at random, with parents given 24 hours to confirm participation. Six babies will compete in the Feb. 21 race. Eligible participants must be at the crawling stage and not yet walking.
The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust, also known as NEST 529, which is overseen by the State Treasurer’s Office. The program offers tax-advantaged savings options for education after high school.
“Whether a child eventually wears the scarlet and cream, attends another institution, or pursues a trade, NEST 529 helps make that path possible,” Spellerberg said.
Nebraska allows an income tax deduction of up to $10,000 per year for contributions made by a NEST 529 account owner, or up to $5,000 for married individuals filing separately. Funds in a NEST 529 account grow tax-deferred and can be withdrawn tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
NEST 529 funds may be used at accredited universities, graduate schools, community colleges, trade and vocational schools, and registered apprenticeship programs. More information is available at nest529.com.