Treasurer Stacy Garrity Named “Champion of Youth” by YMCA of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today was presented the Champion of Youth Award by the YMCA of Pennsylvania for her commitment to the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, which helps families save for their children's future education.

"It is an honor to accept this award, and I feel it is a testament to how students like those involved in the YMCA's Youth and Government program can benefit from saving for their education. No matter where their path takes them, students across our Commonwealth can begin saving for that future now by investing in a PA 529 savings plan."

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity

Today's award presentation was part of Pennsylvania Youth and Government's Annual Model Legislative and Judicial Convention at the State Capitol that hosts nearly 700 students representing more than 40 high schools from across the state.

Recognized as the only Model Government program of its kind for middle and high school teens in Pennsylvania, the annual convention, which is part of the YMCA's Youth and Government program, provides students with hands-on experience with how state government functions.

"The State YMCA's Youth & Government program provides youth with a hands-on learning experience in which they truly learn the power of their voice. Few things in life are more rewarding than watching a young person make their first speech on the floor of the historic Pennsylvania House of Representatives in which they express their views on an issue in which they are passionate."

Jason R. Reimer, member of the YMCA PA Youth and Government Board of Directors

Each year, Pennsylvania Youth and Government recognize a public servant for their commitment to the next generation of leaders in the Commonwealth. Treasurer Garrity was chosen to receive the Champion of Youth Award for 2025 because of the opportunities provided to teens and families to pursue further education and career training through the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program.

PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts are designed to help Pennsylvania families steadily and strategically save in a tax-advantaged way for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, apprenticeship and certain K-12 educational expenses. Money saved in a PA 529 account does not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.

There are two PA 529 plans to choose from, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). The PA 529 GSP lets families pay for tomorrow's tuition at today's prices. PA 529 GSP plan fees are waived through June 30, 2025. The PA 529 IP, which has earned two consecutive Morningstar Gold Ratings, offers a variety of investment options with returns based on financial market performance.

All Pennsylvania children born in 2019 and after have a free $100 Keystone Scholars account to jumpstart their education savings. Families can open and link a companion PA 529 account to continue saving on their own. To register a Keystone Scholars account visit pa529.com/keystone.

To learn more about how to start saving with PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000.