Kentucky students in grades K-6 have a chance to win $1,500 toward college and $500 for their school in the Dream Out Loud Challenge. Students are invited to submit an original drawing, poem, essay or video answering the question “How will I change the world after I go to college?”

The challenge, sponsored by the Kentucky Education Savings Plan Trust (KESPT), is intended to remind families that it is never too early to start saving and planning for higher education. Nine winning entries will be selected by a panel of judges.  One winner will be chosen from each of three submission categories—drawing, essay or poem, and video—in grades K-2, grades 3-4 and grades 5-6. The winning students will receive a $1,500 KESPT college savings account, and their schools will win $500. The contest runs from Jan. 17 through March 18, 2011. Entries must be postmarked by March 18 and received by March 25.

“We want Kentucky families to be aware of saving for higher education,” said David Lawhorn, KESPT administrator. “The challenge helps inspire children to think about college and their future plans.”

KESPT is Kentucky’s official 529 college savings plan and is administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing. A 529 plan is designed to help parents, grandparents, and others invest in a child’s future college education.

Visit www.kysaves.com beginning Jan. 17 to learn more about the challenge, including official rules and a complete description of entry requirements. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, go to www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926.