Cash Composition Contest
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, 2024) are encouraged to answer this year’s essay question (see below) with an essay of 300 words or less. This year, 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.
Timeline:
February 29, 2024: Essay Submission due by 11:59 p.m.
April 1, 2024: Winners Announced
Cash Composition Topic:
What is a budget? Discuss the different types of income and expenses that make up your budget. How does a budget help you manage 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, 2024) 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:
- Spartan Dollars and Cents Budget Simulation
- The self-guided Nearpod course on Budgeting
- Articles that support the topic
- Clover Cents videos on budgeting
- Events on budgeting
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.
- 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 29, 2024.
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
Congratulation to our 2023 Contest Winners:
Samantha H. -Cass County
Conner S -Cass County
Marissa H- Berrien County
Brooklyn H-Oakland County
Jordan D- Berrien County