Officials with the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) are calling for entries to the inaugural Change the World contest. Students in pre-K through sixth grade are encouraged to enter by submitting an original video, poem, essay or drawing describing how they will change the world after college. Eight winners will receive a $1,529 OCSP account and each winner’s school will receive $500.
State Treasurer Randy McDaniel says he hopes the contest sparks conversations with young Oklahomans, their parents and their teachers to dream big while exploring career possibilities.
“Encouraging young students to consider how a college degree could change the course of their lives is integral to their success,” said McDaniel, who serves as OCSP board chair. “Talking to young Oklahomans about their dreams can inspire them to pursue their goals and truly make a difference later in life.”
Eight winners will be selected based on their demonstration of how they will change the world after earning a college degree. Other judging criteria include originality, creativity, design and organization. All participants must submit an official Change the World Contest entry form along with a video, poem, essay or drawing. Participants can submit entries online.
A panel of judges will select two winners per every two grades. Officials hope to recognize winning students and schools later this year. Entries can be submitted starting February 1 and must be received by 5 p.m. on March 31. Official Change the World rules, judging criteria, other important contest details and more information about the OCSP can be found at www.ok4saving.org/ChangetheWorld.
About the OCSP
Introduced in April 2000, the Oklahoma 529 College Saving Plan (OCSP) is Oklahoma’s direct-sold 529 college savings plan. It is designed for families who want to direct their own 529 college savings accounts. The plan is managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc.
Oklahoma taxpayers may deduct, from their Oklahoma adjusted gross income, up to $10,000 in contributions to the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan for individual taxpayers and up to $20,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return with a five-year carryforward. Read the Disclosure Booklet carefully. Please visit www.ok4saving.org or call toll-free 1-877-654-7284 for a Disclosure Booklet.