(DES MOINES, Iowa) – The Iowa Money Smart Kid essay contest deadline has been extended. Iowa students now have until Friday, March 23, 2018, to enter the essay contest sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association.

Along with the extended deadline comes an increase in the number of awards offered. Five new awards have been added for contest runner-ups, so now the top ten finalists will be recognized. Award levels now include the following:

• $1,000 award to first-place winner (1 award)
• $500 award to four finalist (4 awards)
• $300 award for five runner ups (5 awards) – NEW!

Eligible students must be in grades 7-11 and can enter the contest by writing an essay addressing the following:

Please write a brief newspaper article describing the potential devastating effects of a natural disaster (fire, flood, hurricane, etc.) on a family’s financial situation. Please select only one type of natural disaster for the focus of your article. Be sure to include tips and resources for readers to help prepare them for a potential future unexpected crisis.

All essays must be 400 words or fewer and are due by March 23, 2018.

For more information and the Money Smart Kid application, visit https://iowajumpstart.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/msw-kid_iowa_2018-application.pdf or contact Lori Ristau at lristau@iowabankers.com.

About Money Smart Week
Money Smart Week Iowa 2018 is an economic outreach program from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Throughout Money Smart Week, community groups, financial institutions, government agencies, educational organizations and financial experts from across the state host dozens of free educational events to help Iowans of all ages learn to better manage their personal finances.