MAY 31, 2022 - The Education Plan®, New Mexico’s 529 college savings plan, is proud to congratulate New Mexico students awarded the 2022 National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Outstanding Achievement Award! The NJHS and this program are supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). 

This marks the seventh year that 500 NJHS students from across the country were selected to receive $500 awards in the form of 529 accounts with The Education Plan. To date, $1.75 million in awards have been awarded to 3,500 middle school students around the country.

The award recognizes middle school students who have demonstrated their commitment to the five pillars of the NJHS – scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship.

New Mexico NJHS OAA Winners 2022

• Kate Rogers, Albuquerque 

• Hamsini Murali, Clovis 

• Giovanni Martinez,  Albuquerque

“The strategic partnership between NASSP and The Education Plan is based upon our shared commitment to helping middle school students realize their education goals and ease the burden of student loan debt, said Natalie Cordova, Executive Director of The Education Trust Board of New Mexico, which administers The Education Plan. She added, “We’re happy to acknowledge such an accomplished group of students and their families.”

“We’re excited to support middle school students in reaching their higher-education goals,” said NASSP Chief Engagement Officer, Aman Dhanda. "These outstanding middle level student leaders are investing their time, talent, and love of service to make their schools and communities stronger. It’s a privilege to invest in their futures and dreams through this recognition program."

The costs of higher education continue to increase. A 529 college savings plan is the ideal way for families to save for education costs now so there is less student debt in the future. Students can use their 529 education savings plan to pay for a traditional four-year university degree, community college, or trade school.

The Education Plan provides many federal and state tax-advantages for New Mexico's families. New Mexico is just one of four states allowing a full state income tax deduction for contributions to the 529 Plan. Contributions grow tax-free, and future withdrawals are also tax free as long as they are used to pay for qualified expenses including tuition, room, meal plans, books, supplies, computers, and fees.

Studies show if a family has as little as $500 saved for college, a child is three times as likely to go to college and four times as likely to graduate.

For more information about the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award, go to www.njhs.us/OAA. 

About NASSP
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals across the United States. NASSP seeks to transform education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student’s potential relies on great leaders in every school committed to the success of each student. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Student Council.