Piedmont Columbus Regional and Path2College Award First Baby Born on National 529 Day with College Savings Contribution

published May 29, 2024

COLUMBUS, GA – Today at Piedmont Columbus Regional, the Bowden family celebrated the birth of their son, and because Joe was the first baby born on May 29th, the family was awarded $1,529 for his college savings. Across the nation, May 29 is celebrated as "529 Day" in an effort to raise awareness of each state’s 529 college savings plan and the importance of financial planning.

"We are extremely thankful and surprised about this scholarship. We believe higher education is the springboard to opportunities to achieve goals in life, and we are thankful Joe will have this scholarship," said Bradford Bowden, Joe's father.

This is the ninth year the state of Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan has partnered with Piedmont Columbus Regional to award a college savings account contribution to a “529 Day Baby.”

"This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the future education of one of our youngest patients. The goals of this program align with our mission to support the needs of children in our community and to make a positive difference in the lives we touch," said Piedmont Columbus Regional Director of Women and Children's Services Jonetta Chestnut.

"The simple act of opening a 529 plan early can pay dividends for any family with young children. College may seem far away when a baby is first born, but it’s smart to prepare for whatever educational future awaits," said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Lynne Riley. "Even a small amount invested early on can grow over the years, helping to reduce the amount you or your children may have to borrow."

A Path2College 529 Plan account can be an incredible gift to give your children or grandchildren. It can help them graduate from college with less debt or even debt-free, which can give them a firm foundation to start building their life.

For more information about the Path2College 529 Plan or to open a college savings account, please visit www.Path2College529.com or call (877) 424-4377.

To learn more about Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at path2college529.com. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Path2College 529 Plan.

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