MSU Extension 4-H Smart Money Contests

About the Contest:

In support of Financial Literacy Month (April), Michigan State University Extension and 4-H are coordinating the Cash Composition Contest. Youth residing in Michigan, age 9-19 as of (January 1, 2025) are encouraged to answer this year’s essay question (see below) with an essay of 300 words or less. We have 2 age brackets for the contest; 9-13 and 14-19. The top 3 scoring essays in each age bracket will win $100 gift card.

2025 Cash Composition Contest Flyer

Timeline:

February 28, 2025: Essay Submission due by 11:59 p.m.

April 1, 2025: Winners Announced

Cash Composition Topic: 

Credit is borrowing money to obtain goods or services based on the trust that it will be paid back. Credit can be considered good and bad. How can borrowing money (or using credit such as taking a loan or having a credit card) end up being a good decision and when might it not?  How and when will you decide if it is a good choice for you to borrow money? What are some tips you would give someone who needs to borrow money?

 Essays are scored on:

• Quality of Writing
• Organization and Information
• Grammar and Mechanics

Guidelines:

Participants must:
- Be between 9-19 years of age (as of Jan 1, 2025) living in the state of Michigan.
- Have knowledge of money management pillars of saving, spending, borrowing, and planning appropriate for age and grade level.

Resources to Prepare:

• The self-guided Nearpod course on Credit
• Watch the Michigan 4-H Adulting 101 presentation on Building and Protecting Your Credit
• Articles that support the topic
• Events (from MSU Extension staff) on credit
• Utilizing the other credit education resources that are shared on the website
•  

To Apply:

• Youth under 18 must have parent or guardian permission to apply and participate.
• The application form must be completed by a parent/guardian unless over 18.
• Youth must write an essay (300 words or less) on the assigned topic above.
• Essays must be submitted on the contest registration page.  

Submit Essay Here

The essay must be the work of the student submitting the essay. It is highly recommended that youth write their essay prior to completing the registration/submission form.

All essays become the property of the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development Program  and may be used by contest coordinators  to promote financial literacy.

All submissions must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) on February 28, 2025.

Prize Sponsors:

Thank you to our amazing contest sponsor, Extra Credit Union!

Questions:

Contact Kathy Jamieson at jamies13@msu.edu or Laurie Rivetto at rivettol@msu.edu

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Congratulation to our 2024 Contest Winners:

9-13 year old:

Aubrey D (Eaton County)

Reagan M (Van Buren County)

Olive F (Oakland County)

14-19 year old:

Paige D (Wayne County)

Anna H (Clinton County)

Amy S (Washtenaw County)