PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Harold Alfond College Challenge gives a $500 grant to every Maine resident baby so their parents or guardians can start an account called the Next Gen College Investing Plan.
This money can then be used at a university or college their child wants to attend. The Nkrumah family of Westbrook has already set up an account for each of their children; 17-month-old Andrew, and 5-month-old Abigail. Their mother, Patricia, says she's not required to put any money into those accounts right now, but the interest in her accounts has already added up.
"It doesn't cost you anything unless you want to put it in there, and it's so important," Nkrumah said. "It's really important for the kids' future. Especially, 18 years from now? I don't know how much money it will cost, so anything can help."
If you want your baby to be the next face of the Harold Alfond College Challenge, there's a casting call on Saturday, September 17, at the Wyndham Hotel in South Portland from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Every family will receive a free professional photograph of their baby and get help setting up a Next Gen account.
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