FRANKFORT, Ky. — Four Kentucky children will each win $1,000 to put toward a college savings account this year by participating in a summer reading program at their local public library.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and KY Saves 529 have launched the Go Wild! College Savings Summer Reading Sweepstakes as part of the 2021 summer reading program at participating public libraries across the commonwealth.
After signing up children for the summer reading program at their local public library, parents, grandparents or guardians can enter each child for the sweepstakes by filling out the entry form at http://kysaves.com/gowild.
“As an educator and parent, I encourage every parent to get their children involved in their local public library’s summer reading program because students can lose valuable academic skills if their brains take a summer vacation from learning,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, who is also the secretary of the EWDC. “In addition, the partnership with KY Saves 529 is a great way to remind families to start saving for postsecondary education.”
The sweepstakes, which runs through Aug. 13, will award four $1,000 college savings accounts to Kentucky children and young adults 18 or younger. In addition, each winner’s local public library will receive $500 toward future reading programs. KHEAA and KY Saves 529 are sponsoring Go Wild! as part of this year’s public library reading program, Tails and Tales, to encourage children to keep reading and learning during summer vacation. KDLA is an agency in the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
“Every summer, about 200,000 children participate in Kentucky’s reading programs at their local public libraries. It is a fun way to encourage children to keep reading and learning during the summer so they do not lose any of their skills during the break.
We are so pleased to collaborate with KHEAA as part of the Kentucky Summer Reading Program, Go Wild! College Savings Summer Reading Sweepstakes, to offer children the extra incentive of funding college while they learn about animals and develop a love for reading,” said Terry Manuel, commissioner of KDLA and state librarian, archivist and records administrator.
“The KY Saves 529 program is pleased to once again partner with Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives on the summer reading program. As libraries across the commonwealth welcome back families to in-person programming, the program is an enjoyable way to inspire children to read and families to start saving and planning for future educational opportunities,” said David Lawhorn, KY Saves program manager.
KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services, visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-8300 ext. 315.
Go Wild! College Savings Summer Reading Sweepstakes is sponsored by KY Saves 529 and KHEAA. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
Visit kysaves.com/gowild for official rules and prize details. For more information about the Kentucky Educational Savings Plan Trust (KY Saves 529), visit kysaves.com or call toll free 877-598-7878. It is administered by KHEAA and managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc., a leader in managing Section 529 plans. Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services LLC, is the program manager.
Full College Scholarships Available for Vaccinated Kentuckians Age 12+
Lt. Gov. Coleman reminded parents that in addition to the Go Wild! $1,000 college savings opportunity, Kentucky youth age 12 to 17 can win one of 15 full scholarships to any public university, college or technical or trade school in the state through the Shot at a Million sweepstakes after they have received at least one dose of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccinated Kentuckians 18 and older can sign up for three chances to win $1 million through the sweepstakes as well. To learn more and sign up, visit ShotAtAMillion. The first $1 million winner and the first five full scholarship winners will be announced Friday, July 2.