WEST DES MOINES — Thirty-eight Iowa parents and guardians each received $250 in college savings deposits after their entries were randomly selected in a quarterly drawing sponsored by Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation. The winners were among 849 eligible participants who entered after receiving free college and career planning information for their middle and high school students.

The information service, SP3 or Student Planning Pointers for Parents, is provided by the nonprofit student loan provider to help parents and guardians guide their students through eighth through 12th grades with an eye to the future.

“Parents are often unsure of how to help their students think about and plan for the future. We want to help them understand the planning steps that apply to each student’s grade level and what they as a family can do now to prepare for success in college and careers,” said Steve McCullough, president and CEO of Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation.

The free service is provided via twice-monthly emails to parents and guardians who sign up at www.sp3.org. Registered recipients have the opportunity to enter the quarterly drawings for deposits into a college savings account.

“The articles have brought up things I never would have thought of or considered,” said two-time winner Michael May of Mason City. “They are a great resource for parents and students to get educated on the process of going to college and what things that need to be considered … ahead of time.”

Sharon Swarts, a 2021 third-quarter winner of Newton, said, “I have used the information to dig deeper into topics that may have gone unanswered.” She added, “I couldn’t wait to share with my son that taking the time to do little things could pay off. We gained the knowledge to help with his future and earned him some extra money for college. Win, win!”

The SP3 service is provided in partnership with College Savings Iowa, ICAN, the Iowa School Counselor Association and Strada Education Network.

Articles are carefully researched and informed by 40 years of experience in the higher education industry.

The information is targeted to specific grade levels to correspond with students’ current stages. The consistent format explains why the topic is important, what students can do now, additional steps they should take later and what parents can do. In addition, talking points are provided as a guideline for approaching the topic with students.

More information and simple signup is available at www.sp3.org.

2022 Second-Quarter Winners

Each winner below received a $250 deposit to an established 529 college savings plan account.

Barb Blake, Indianola

Mark Brown, Iowa City

Debra Cramer, Johnston

Kristi Dewes, West Des Moines

Heidi Eriksen, Iowa Falls

Sharie Greif, Marion

Kathy Grete, Cedar Falls

Diane Hintzsche, Elkhart

Emily Hubbell, Laurens

Angie Kamradt, Sanborn

Jeannie Krambeer, Wadena

Ben Lueken, Ely

Kelly Markham, Bettendorf

Michael May, Mason City

Alison McLaughlin, Central City

Nick Mescher, Farley

Tasha Monthei, Cooper

Jennifer Moorman, Ankeny

Pam Moos, Des Moines

John Munson, Carroll

Aimee Mussman, Cedar Rapids

Jenny Nitchals, Estherville

Leah Olson, Hiawatha

Jennell Owens, Ankeny

Denise Parkins, Indianola

David Patterson, Ankeny

Jesse Peterson, Cedar Rapids

Susan Pyle, Ames

Stacy Rolfes, LeMars

Chris Rubel, Bettendorf

Jonathon Schwebach, Ankeny

Rhonda Slight, Storm Lake

Kelly Smith, Des Moines

David SmolikHagen, Waverly

Angela Veenstra, Lynnville

Jennifer Welbig, Armstrong

Don Whalen, Cedar Rapids

Katy Wiley, Creston