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Lansing-Area Families Invited to Free Event to Jump-Start College Savings
September 28, 2026
Michigan Education Trust, Michigan Education Savings Program will offer one-on-one help at October 1 event
The Michigan Department of Treasury is inviting families in the Lansing area to attend a free community enrollment session to learn how to start saving for college with as little as $25 — and receive a new enrollment bonus.
The free community informational event hosted by the Department of Treasury’s Section 529 college savings plans will take place from 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1, at the Lansing Bricks and Minifigs store, 731 Brookside Drive, Lansing. Attendees can drop in at any time during the session to receive one-on-one help on Michigan’s 529 college savings plans — the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). No appointment is necessary. While participants are encouraged to drop-in at anytime, there will be a short presentation given at 4:30 p.m.
MET is the state’s prepaid tuition savings program that allows families to purchase college tuition at today’s rates. MESP is an investment-based savings plan offering flexible options for families.
MET will offer an in-person enrollment session bonus of $100 per beneficiary (for initial contributions of $25-$499) or $200 (for initial contributions of $500-plus). To qualify for the bonus, you must attend an in-person 2026 fall enrollment session. The initial qualifying contribution must be made in one payment. For bonus eligibility requirements, visit the MET website.
Representatives from MET and MESP will be on hand to discuss the features and benefits of each plan and offer general tips to educate parents, grandparents and others on saving for college.
The session provides an opportunity for families to learn more about MET and take advantage of MET’s $25 minimum contribution.
“A small investment of $25 and the bonus can open the door for Michigan families to start saving for college,” said Megan Patino, executive director of Michigan Education Trust. “The sooner you begin saving, the more impact those dollars will have for your child’s education and future.”
Sue Stock knows firsthand about the power of MET.
Stock first purchased MET accounts for her sons, Jon and Chris, in 1988.
“Chris used every dollar of his MET savings to earn his degree from Michigan State University, graduating in 2003. He got a degree with no debt,” Stock said.
Jon’s path was different. He earned an accounting degree from Lansing Community College, where his tuition was covered because Sue was working at LCC at the time. Since Jon didn’t use his MET benefits, the account remained intact and is now helping fund the MET account of Jon’s daughter, Sue’s granddaughter.
“That’s the beauty of MET,” Stock said. “Even when life takes a different direction, nothing is lost. It still becomes part of the future.”
While no registration is required, more information about the Lansing event is available here. Families can drop by anytime during the session hours.
Event highlights:
- Learn: Experts will explain how MET and MESP work and the benefits of each program.
- Save: Families can take advantage of MET’s in-person enrollment bonus after opening a contract with a contribution of at least $25.
- Plan: Personalized advice on savings strategies and contribution options will be available.
Since its inception in 1988, MET has helped more than 105,000 students by providing a reliable way to save for future education expenses. Over its 38-year history, MET has come to be recognized as one of the more successful prepaid tuition savings plans in the nation.
“MET plans offer great flexibility and security,” Patino said. “A MET supports a wide range of paths your student may take. And if something changes along the way, you do not lose anything because it can be transferred to help ensure a family member’s future.”
Families interested in opening a MET or learning more about the program can visit MET’s website.
MET is Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition savings program that allows the purchase of future tuition at today’s rates. The total contract price may be eligible for a state tax deduction and earnings are tax-exempt if used for qualified higher education expenses. MET funds can also be used to pay out-of-state, Michigan private college and trade school tuition, Credits can also be transferred to other eligible family members.
MESP is Michigan’s direct-sold Section 529 investment college savings plan that offers families various investment options. It also provides Michigan taxpayers 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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