Reading Makes Cent$ Promotes, Rewards Financial Literacy

RICHMOND, VA--(Marketwired - February 02, 2016) - The feel of crisp pages, the visual pop of bright illustrations, and the joy of winning money for higher education just for enjoying good books.

For Virginia elementary school librarians and students in kindergarten through third grade, reading is even more rewarding, thanks to Reading Makes Cent$.

The program, presented by Virginia529 College Savings Plan (Virginia529) and the Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE), aims to teach financial education to students and set them on an early path to financial success.

Through Reading Makes Cent$, elementary school librarians across Virginia read story books provided by Virginia529 to their students. They teach accompanying lessons, developed by VCEE, on basic economic and financial concepts.

To reward participation in the program, each year 14 students who complete the reading challenge are randomly selected to win $529 Virginia529 inVEST savings accounts. Additionally, the elementary school library in each of seven districts wins books for their library valued at $500, each with a theme involving economics and finance.

Last year, 2,200 students and more than 180 elementary school libraries participated in the program.

Reading Makes Cent$ is in its second year and offers an expanded reading list, novel lesson plans, and a new selection of free books for participating schools.

"Virginia529 and VCEE hope more schools will find the program a valuable tool to encourage reading and to provide early lessons about financial empowerment for students," noted Virginia529 CEO Mary Morris.

Virginia elementary school librarians can find program information and read the official terms and conditions at readingmakescents.com. The deadline for librarians to sign up is February 12, 2016.

About Virginia529 College Savings Plan:
Virginia529 makes higher education more accessible and affordable for families and individuals. With $54 billion in assets under management and 2.4 million accounts as of December 31, 2015, Virginia529 is the largest 529 plan available. Four flexible, affordable, tax-advantaged programs -- Virginia529 prePAID SM (prePAID SM), Virginia529 inVEST SM (inVEST SM), CollegeAmerica® and CollegeWealth® -- and early commitment scholarship program SOAR Virginia® assist students of any age in reaching their higher education goals. For more information on Virginia529's college savings options, visit Virginia529.com or call 1-888-567-0540 to obtain program materials. These include information on Virginia529 programs, investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information; read and consider them carefully before investing. All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Virginia529 encourages prospective participants to seek the advice of a professional concerning any financial, tax or legal implications related to opening an account. For residents of states other than Virginia: your state or the beneficiary's state of residence (if different) may sponsor a 529 plan that offers state income tax and other benefits not available to you through Virginia529 College Savings Plan. ©2016 Virginia College Savings Plan. All Rights Reserved.