Three Oklahoma 529 account holders recently were rewarded college savings scholarships through a partnership with Oklahoma 529 and Upromise, with the grand prize winner from the Sallisaw area.

Frank Sullivan III was the grand prize winner and received a $1,000 contribution to the college savings account set up for his children. Oklahoma 529 account holders Jennifer Palmer of Norman, and Leonardo Garcia, a graduate student now living in Livermore, Calif., each won a $529 contribution to their college savings plan.

“Families who want to easily increase their college savings can use Upromise to help grow their Oklahoma 529 account while making everyday purchases,” Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ said. “As a continuation of our anniversary celebration, the scholarship giveaway was paired with Upromise rewards to give account holders an additional opportunity to build their Oklahoma 529 accounts.”

Upromise is a free rewards platform that offers cash-back rewards for everyday activities. Rewards are transferred as contributions to an Oklahoma 529 account. Members can earn rewards by shopping online at major retailers, uploading receipts from in-store grocery purchases, dining at restaurants, playing mobile games, completing surveys and more.

Upromise is free and easy to join. Learn more at https://www.oklahoma529. com/program/ upromise/.

Held through the month of August, the scholarship giveaway provided one Oklahoma 529 account holder a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship contribution and two additional account holders a chance to win $529 by linking their Oklahoma 529 to a Upromise account. Every $1 in cash back reward earned through Upromise increased a participant’s chance to win. Over 400 account holders participated in the scholarship giveaway.

Each of the winners expressed gratitude for the additional contribution to their Oklahoma 529 accounts.

“What a fantastic surprise! Thank you Oklahoma 529 and Upromise very much. This news comes at a great time as I am recovering from a recent medical procedure that has put a ton of stress on our family (Amanda – wife, Addison – 21, Frankie – 19),” Sullivan said.

“We have been Upromise members for years, and have been contributing to our kids’ college savings plan since they were very young. Many people do not realize the utility of the college savings plan, and hopefully this will bring more awareness to others. We contributed a meager amount for years and it has saved us in taxes and amassed a great fund for our kids to pursue higher education.”

Sullivan said Addison is a senior journalism major and Frankie is a freshman accounting major, both at the University of Oklahoma, and both are wanting to pursue law school after undergrad.