Newsroom

The 2026 Mississippi College and Career Savings Art Contest

The second week in May is always one of my favorite times of the year because it means we get to celebrate the creativity, talent, and big dreams of Mississippi students. Earlier this month, we hosted the 13th Annual Mississippi College and Career Savings Art Contest at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Every year, students from across our state remind us that Mississippi’s future is bright, and this year was no exception.

Students from Pre-K through Grade 12 submitted artwork showing what they want to be when they grow up, all for the chance to earn a Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) scholarship account. As always, selecting the winners was no easy task. We had 12 outstanding student winners and were also proud to recognize a Teacher of the Year for helping encourage and inspire the next generation.

This contest has become one of the most meaningful traditions we have at the Treasury. It’s more than just an art competition. It’s an opportunity to encourage young people to dream big while also reminding families about the importance of planning ahead and saving for the future. Every year, we bring together volunteer judges, welcome students and families from all corners of Mississippi, and celebrate the hard work that went into each submission. Seeing those young faces and hearing about their goals for their future never gets old.

At the Treasury, one of the ways we help families prepare for those futures is through the MACS program. I often tell parents and grandparents that one of the best investments you can make is in your children and grandchildren. MACS makes that easier. You can open an account with as little as $25, contribute when you are able, and allow friends and family members to help invest in a child’s future as well.

The account offers valuable tax advantages and can be used for college, trade schools, career training programs, books, supplies, and other qualified education expenses. Conservatives believe in giving families the tools to build opportunity and financial independence for themselves, and programs like MACS do exactly that.

We also offer the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) program, which allows families to lock in today’s tuition rates and prepay future college tuition hours. As tuition costs continue to rise, many families appreciate the security and stability that comes with knowing those costs are already covered. MPACT remains the only prepaid tuition plan backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi, and our team is always available to help families decide which option works best for them.

Of note, MPACT closes each year for summer break, and new rates will come out in September. As such, if you’d like to secure today’s rates, you must sign up by May 31. Learn more at treasury.ms.gov/mpact.

I want to thank every student, teacher, parent, and volunteer who helped make this year’s contest such a success. The talent on display was truly incredible, and I know how much hard work went into each piece of artwork. Congratulations once again to all of our 2026 winners. I already look forward to seeing even more students participate next year as we continue this great Mississippi tradition.