Annual College Savings Iowa State Fair survey shows that most kids plans for the future includes attending college, but not before eating a corndog.
DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2010)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald announced today that 95% of the children that participated in College Savings Iowa's annual State Fair survey see getting a college education as a necessary step to achieving their career aspirations. "Iowa children are already planning for their futures," stated Fitzgerald. "This survey demonstrates how important it is for families to start planning and saving early to help make college a reality for their children."
"Every year we ask children visiting the fair what they want to be when they grow up and if they will need to go to college to achieve their career goals. Needless to say, we are always amazed by the responses they offer," Fitzgerald stated. Seventeen percent of the children questioned want to study veterinary medicine, with another 13% planning to become teachers. The health care-related fields came in third this year with 11% of the responses, and professional athlete with 7% ranked fourth. "One little guy plans to go to college to become a super hero, but not before eating his favorite State Fair food."
In addition to the questions about career and college goals, the survey also asks children to identify their favorite State Fair food item. "Corn dog was the hands down favorite with kids again this year," Fitzgerald said. Funnel cake was second on the list of favorites, with cookies, donuts and pizza tying for third place. "Kids are especially fond of food on sticks. I'm always amazed by the ones who come to State Fair looking for an egg on a stick."
"Families that save and invest for their child's college education will be better prepared to meet the challenge of paying for it when the time arrives, and College Savings Iowa is here to help," added Fitzgerald. Anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. This year Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,811 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income. * To learn more about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.
*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.
