Village boards throughout DuPage County are struggling with cutting expenses while trying to protect the level of services provided to communities. Can a middle schooler provide a great idea for an investment that will pay off in their community?

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago is hoping lots of kids in fifth through eighth grades will show they are thinking about their community's financial health, as well as their own, by entering the 2013 Money Smart Kid Essay Contest, which will award one Chicago-area student a $5,000 scholarship and two runners-up $2,500 scholarships. DuPage County students will automatically become eligible for the DuPage County Money Smart Kid contest, which will award an additional $2,500 scholarship and other cash prizes.

This year’s essay topic is: “What is the difference between an investment and an expense? What would be a good investment in your community and why? Please discuss who would benefit from this investment.”