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December 22, 2025 – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging residents to consider contributing to a child’s Bright Start 529 college savings account as a holiday gift. The program allows family members and friends to invest in a young person’s future through a state-managed savings plan designed to help cover the costs of higher education, technical schools, and registered apprenticeship programs.
“Every time you make a Bright Start contribution, that kid sees that you believe in them,” Frerichs said. “This is a high-impact gift that can mean more to a child’s future than a trending toy or game.”
Contributions can be made through the ReadySave529 mobile app, which allows account holders to generate a unique code for gift contributions. Gifts may also be made online at BrightStart.com/resources/gifting or through a mail-in form. The program has received widespread recognition for its quality and affordability, earning seven Gold ratings from Morningstar, and being named a “Valedictorian” plan among the top 529 programs nationwide.
According to Frerichs’ office, nearly $55 million in gifts have been contributed to Bright Start accounts so far this year. The program has also experienced record account growth, with over 500,000 Bright Start accounts and more than 900,000 combined accounts with Bright Directions 529 plans, totaling $23 billion in assets.
Bright Start accounts are tax-advantaged, and contributions are deductible on Illinois state income taxes. Funds can be used at eligible institutions, including two- and four-year colleges, vocational schools, and registered apprenticeship programs.
For more information on Illinois 529 college savings programs, visit www.illinoistreasurer.gov, or to open an account, visit BrightStart.com. There is no minimum contribution required to start an account.
