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Lansing-area families invited to free event to jumpstart college savings with $100 bonus
October 15, 2025
The Michigan Department of Treasury is inviting Lansing-area families to attend a free community enrollment session to learn how to start saving for college with as little as $25 – and receive a $100 enrollment bonus.
The Lansing community enrollment session will be held between 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center, 5825 Wise Road. Attendees can drop in at any time during the session to receive one-on-one help and guidance on Michigan’s two 529 college savings plans: the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). No appointment is necessary.
MET is the state’s 529 prepaid tuition program, allowing families to college tuition at today’s rates. MESP is an investment-based savings plan offering flexible options for families.
Both programs are administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The Lansing session is part of a statewide fall tour aimed at helping families take the first step toward college savings. MET recently lowered its minimal contribution to just $25, making it easier than even to get started.
“By lowering the cost to get started, we’re opening the door for more Michigan families to plan ahead with confidence,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of MET. “Even a modest start can grow into meaningful savings over time. The earlier you begin, the more powerful those dollars can become for your child’s future.”
In addition to personalized assistance, attendees will be eligible for an exclusive MET enrollment bonus of $100.* The limited-time offer is designed to help families maximize their college savings from the start.
Bonus eligibility requirements are available on MET's website.
Event Highlights:
- Learn the differences between MET and MESP and how each program can benefit your family.
- Save with MET’s new $25 minimum contribution to take advantage of the $100 enrollment bonus.
- Plan with expert advice on savings strategies and payment options.
Since its inception in 1988, MET has helped more than 105,000 students’ parents and grandparents to lock in college tuition at today’s rates. MET contracts are eligible for state tax deductions, and both MET and MESP offer tax-advantaged growth when used for qualified higher education expenses.
“Each small step toward saving is a giant step toward a brighter future,” Brewer said. “We want Michigan families to feel confident their children have a strong financial footing as they pursue their dreams.”
For more information about the Lansing event or Michigan’s Section 529 plans, visit www.savewithMI529.com.
*Limit one bonus per beneficiary, lifetime.
MET is Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition savings program that allows the purchase of future tuition at any of the state’s public universities and colleges at today’s rates. The total contract price is eligible for a state tax deduction, and earnings are tax-exempt if used for qualified higher education expenses. MET funds can be used to pay out-of-state and Michigan private college and university tuition, and credits can also be transferred to other eligible family members.
MESP is Michigan’s direct-sold Section 529 college savings program that offers families various investment options. It also provides Michigan taxpayers with a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on any earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses. MESP can be used at any eligible college, university or trade school in the nation and some abroad. Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, fees, room, board, books, equipment and supplies required for enrollment. Limitations apply. See the MESP Disclosure Booklet for details.
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