Meadowlark Savings Program Marks Sixth Year

April 22, 2026  LINCOLN, Neb. As the Meadowlark Savings Pledge marks six years of supporting Nebraska families, more than 115,000 babies have received a $50 seed contribution to start their education savings journey. This spring, that tradition continues as families of Nebraska children born in 2025 receive a one-time seed contribution — deposited in a state-managed NEST 529 account as directed by the Meadowlark Act.

Families receive a letter from the State Treasurer announcing their eligibility for the Meadowlark Savings Pledge, a program designed to introduce families to saving early for education. This “starter contribution” has the potential to grow over time. Students can use the funds toward qualified expenses when it is time to continue their education after high school. In addition to Nebraska colleges and universities, funds can be used for technical, trade, and vocational schools.

Nebraska babies born on or after Jan. 1, 2020, receive this one-time Meadowlark seed contribution. This automatic enrollment does not require families to pay extra costs or complete any paperwork.

While the Meadowlark Savings Pledge is a great first step in planning for future educational expenses, the real benefit comes when families open and make regular contributions to a NEST 529 Education Savings account. NEST 529 accounts make it easy to set aside funds over time for future education needs with tax benefits you won’t get with traditional savings methods. Key features include: 

-Investment Options – Families can customize their investment portfolio to fit risk tolerance, time frame, and savings goals. Saving is made even easier with automatic contributions from bank accounts or paychecks.

-Tax Benefits – Tax-advantaged savings include a Nebraska state tax deduction, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free qualified withdrawals.1 Account owners in Nebraska are eligible for an annual state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 for NEST 529 contributions, or $5,000 if married filing separately.2

-Flexibility – A NEST 529 account can be opened in just 10 minutes. Families can manage everything easily online — from contributing and making investment selections to requesting withdrawals. 
Diverse Fund Families – NEST offers quality funds from multiple fund families including Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, and others.

“The Meadowlark Program is a commitment to Nebraska’s future, ensuring that from day one, every child in our state has a dedicated path toward higher education,” said Nebraska Deputy State Treasurer for Savings Programs Rachel Biar. “By planting this seed early, we aren't just providing a financial head start, we are investing in our children’s dreams and growing Nebraska’s future talent.”

Visit www.NEST529.com to learn more about the benefits of a NEST 529 Education Savings Plan. For more information on the Meadowlark Program, go to www.NEST529.com/Meadowlark.

The State Treasurer serves as the Program Trustee. All investments, including the portfolio structure offered through the NEST 529 Plan, are vetted and approved by the Nebraska Investment Council.

About the State Treasurer’s Office: The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the state’s chief financial officer and is responsible for the safekeeping and management of Nebraska’s public funds. The office administers the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST 529) and the Enable Savings Plan; manages and returns unclaimed property; collects and disburses child support payments; and promotes transparency in state spending. Learn more at www.treasurer.nebraska.gov, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

About NEST 529: NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank and Trust Company serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 Education Savings Plans, which have more than 300,000 accounts. Visit www.NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About Union Bank and Trust Company: Founded in 1917 with over 50 years of family ownership, Union Bank and Trust Company offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $9.0 billion and trust assets of $45.5 billion as of December 31, 2025. Voters have chosen Union Bank and Trust Company as Best Bank, Best Work Environment, and Best Financial Planner in Lincoln for fourteen years running.