Huge, life defining decisions are in play when one begins to plan and consider post high school education.

There are many options and choices that families have for consideration. Doing nothing or making no plans is a decision. Ideally, one would want to be the most informed as possible to make sound and wise decisions.

For many in primary or elementary school, post high school is far off in considering the future. The Putnam 4-H Education Pledge is a program with many elements that will bring information to families enabling an early start to building expectations for post high school education.

The term “post high school education” is used because the discussion should not be centered on a traditional four-year college degree. In fact, the labor markets are hungry for skilled labor that does not involve a college degree and leaving many in work force development pondering how to meet the needs. Furthermore, the program is centered on building the “expectation” of youth seeking some sort of post high school education and realizing the attainment of such education.

Several studies have shown that there are significant differences in those who have a post high school educational savings plan compared to those who do not have such a plan. Research supports that the money or funds being placed into such accounts is not as much a factor as is building the expectation that one has post high school educational goals and objectives to be met.

The Putnam 4-H Education Pledge will include workforce development and other professional experiences providing youth with life skills needed to find their niche in the work force. The Putnam County 4-H Council is sponsoring $25 payment to 529 plan funds for those in third and sixth grade as of 1/1/23 and plans to continue with future incentive programs for these grades.

Currently, less than eight percent of Putnam youth in grades K-12 have a 529 college savings plan, thus many families are missing out on a key state income tax direct credit. Research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that youth who have a 529 college savings plan for post high school education are greater than 70 percent more likely to go and seek education after high school compared to those who do not. Having an account played a bigger role than the account value.

Only $25 will get one started with college savings using the College Choice 529 Savings plan that is recognized by the state of Indiana to receive a 20 percent direct income tax credit. Parents, grandparents, family etc. can make gifts obtaining a 20 percent direct credit back on state income taxes. The $25 Putnam 4-H match program will only be available to 4-Hers who were in grades three and six as of 1-1-23, completed a Putnam 4-H program and these individuals need to bring the UGift form associated with the account to receive the $25 into the account. Bingo… the child now has at least $50 saved for post high school education. Most importantly a path to savings and receiving gifts whereby others can receive direct tax credit is established.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 5 – Canning Garden Vegetables, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 7pm

Sept. 5 – Get WalkIN’ emails begin, email asmith22@purdue.edu to register by Sept. 1^st

Sept. 11 – ServSafe Food Managers course and exam, register at https://cvent.me/l8DXv2

Sept. 11 – Venison Processing Workshop, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 6pm, RSVP required  at 765-973-9281

Sept. 18 – Home Food Preservation workshop, Parke Co. Fairgrounds, $15, 11am-3pm, RSVP required at 765-569-3176

Sept. 19 – Ladies Night Out: Livestock Edition, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, $10, 6:30pm, register at https://tinyurl.com/WIASept23

Are you looking for ways to help or support your community in 2023? 

Join us on March 15, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Whisk to learn more about Putnam County 100+ Women Who Care.

The Putnam County Women Who Care, cares deeply about our community.  The group comes together four times each year to make a positive impact by collectively giving.  The women come from all walks of life, all ages, all parts of the county, and even connects with women who grew up here but have moved away.  The group is open to all women — the more women who become involved, the greater our impact will be! Our goal is to grow to more than 100 women who want to become involved!

The group is part of a national movement and modeled after similar organizations located throughout the United States and Canada.  Putnam County is the third county in Indiana to form a Women Who Care group. 

Here is how it works:  The Putnam County Community Foundation helps women join the organization and sign commitments to donate $500 total during a calendar year. The first $100 commitment supports an unrestricted endowment administered by the Community Foundation for the Women Who Care organization to use to address future needs of the community.  In addition, every member pledges to donate $100 at each of four quarterly meetings (whether they attend or not) to be given to a Putnam County non-profit public charity selected at the meeting.  One hundred members means that four worthy local non-profits will each receive $10,000 during the year!  The larger the group, the greater the impact we will make. 

Putnam County Women Who Care allows busy women to become involved in giving back to the local community in a big way.  The 2023 dates are April 5, June 7, September 6 and November 1. At each meeting, members may nominate a charity by submitting her own name, a speaker’s name, and the name of a local 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, church, or a government entity she would like to have included in a drawing.  At the meeting, three members’ submissions are drawn, and each will be given five minutes to provide an explanation of the organization and its services.  Three minutes will also be provided for questions if needed.  At the end of the presentations, members vote, ballots are counted, and a winner is announced.The winner will be notified and the donation will be presented within two weeks.

For a total of $500 a year, female philanthropists can have a huge impact on our community. Think about the difference a $10,000 donation would make to a local non-profit organization! Think about the impact of $40,000 or more in donations during one year. At the same time, the Women Who Care will be building an endowment that will provide permanent funding to benefit our community in the future! 

The Whisk will have a whiskey tasting and small plate for only $20 per person that wants to participate.

This will be an informal time to learn more about the organization as well as meeting current and future members.  Plus, this meeting will provide ample time to network and share what your passions are for the Putnam County Community.

If you have questions, feel free to email:100womenwhocarepc@gmail.com.