08/15/2024
CHET Dream Big! Competition Returns August 15 with Nearly $350k in Prizes for CT Students and Schools
K-12 STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN UP TO $20,000 TOWARD THEIR FUTURE EDUCATION
HARTFORD, CT – It’s time for Connecticut students to Dream Big! State Treasurer Erick Russell, Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), today announced the dates of the 2024 CHET Dream Big! Competition. The competition is open to all Connecticut residents in grades K-12 and will run from August 15 through November 4, 2024.
As part of the Dream Big! Competition, students in grades K-12 submit essays, videos, and artwork based on prompts about helping their community or bettering their lives to compete for nearly $350,000 in prizes awarded through CHET 529 College Savings Plan – Direct Plan account contributions. Three students will each be awarded $20,000 prizes, 24 will each be awarded $5,000 prizes, and 239 will each be awarded $500 prizes. The Dream Big! Competition also awards technology prizes to schools across Connecticut.
“The Dream Big! Competition is an opportunity to encourage Connecticut students to think about the future they want for themselves and their communities while taking an active step in saving for college,”said Treasurer Russell.“It’s a chance for them to share their life experiences and display their talent and creativity. The Dream Big! Competition has grown into a highly anticipated event for students and their families. I’m excited to make this year’s competition the best yet and help hundreds of our young residents save for their future educational plans.”
In addition to student prizes, every school in Connecticut with at least one student entry will be eligible for a random drawing. Ten schools will win a technology prize, each valued at $5,000. Please see the 2024 competition official rulesfor more information on prize structure and awards.
As part of the Competition, younger students will be asked a question focusing on lessons they’ve learned and their dreams for the future, and older students will be asked about an experience or person that has impacted them and how that will influence their future goals. Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. on November 4.For program details and entry process visit www.chetdreambig.com.
Entry instructions, official rules and additional details can be found at www.chetdreambig.com. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
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About the Office of the Treasurer
The Office of the Treasurer is charged with safeguarding Connecticut’s financial resources through prudent cash and debt management, with the State Treasurer serving as principal fiduciary for six state pension and twelve state trust funds. Additionally, the Office enhances the state’s fiscal stability through programs promoting financial literacy and college savings, and it leverages business partnerships to support the advancement of Connecticut’s social and policy priorities, including combating gun violence and protecting our environment. The Office of the Treasurer is led by State Treasurer Erick Russell, the only Black elected state treasurer in the country. To learn more, visit portal.ct.gov/ott.
About CHET
The Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) direct-sold college savings plan was established in 1997 and has grown to more than $4.2 billion in assets and 161,000 accounts. Over $2.1 billion has been withdrawn from CHET accounts to help more than 57,000 students pay for college expenses. The State of Connecticut offers CHET to help families save for future higher education costs. Funds deposited into a CHET account have tax advantages and can be used at accredited colleges and universities across the country, including vocational and technical schools, and some colleges abroad. Connecticut residents are allowed to deduct 529 contributions from their state income taxes – up to $5,000 for an individual or up to $10,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Investment earnings are exempt from state and federal taxes if used for qualified educational expenses.
For more information, visit AboutCHET.com. Find us on Facebook (facebook.com/CHET529), follow us on Twitter (@CHET529) or on Instagram (@CHET529).
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of our diversified, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms, and institutions. With assets under administration of $14.1 trillion, including discretionary assets of $5.5 trillion as of June 30, 2024, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. Privately held for 78 years, Fidelity employs more than 75,000 associates across the United States, Ireland, and India. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.
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Contact: Tyler Van Buren
tyler.vanburen@ct.gov | (959) 529-2468