Mid-Michigan event offers up to $200 bonus to start saving for college

LANSING, Mich. — Mid-Michigan families can start saving for college with as little as $25 and receive up to a $200 bonus per child by attending a free enrollment session on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum. Representatives from Michigan's 529 college savings plans, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), will offer one-on-one help.

“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 MET. “The sooner you begin saving, the more impact those dollars will have for your child’s education and future.”

The information session, hosted by the Treasury's Section 529 college savings team, will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the museum, 5093 E. Remus Road, Mount Pleasant. No appointment is necessary, and families can drop in at any time, though a short presentation will be given at 11 a.m. The first 70 attendees to check in will receive free admission to the museum.

MET, the state's prepaid tuition program, will give a $100 bonus per beneficiary for an initial contribution of $25 to $499, or $200 for an initial contribution of $500 or more. The contribution must be made in a single payment, and families must attend an in-person fall 2026 enrollment session to qualify.

MET allows families to purchase college tuition at today's rates, and MESP is an investment-based plan with flexible options. Representatives will be available to explain each plan's features and offer general tips for parents, grandparents, and others who want to save for college.

"MET plans support a wide range of paths your student may take," Patino said. "If something changes along the way, you don't lose what you've saved. The benefits can be transferred to another family member."

Over its 38-year history, MET has helped more than 120,000 students save for future education expenses. Families can learn more about MET, including bonus eligibility requirements, at SETwithMET.com.