The CHET Dream Big! Competition, sponsored by the State of Connecticut Treasurer’s office, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc., and CHET, was a drawing and essay contest for Connecticut students in grades Kindergarten (K) through five (5). The competition ran from February 8, 2010, through April 5, 2010.

The CHET Dream Big! Competition was designed to encourage families to start thinking about how higher education may help their children realize their dreams and make a difference in the world, and to promote the importance of saving for college early through a CHET Account.

Children in grades K through one and grades two through three were asked to draw a picture that portrays the answer to the question, “What do I want to do after I go to college?” Fourth- and fifth-grade students were asked to write an essay explaining, “How will I change the world after I go to college?”

More than 3,200 entries were received from across the state. A panel of judges selected the competition winners. Ninety-six County winners—four winners (two girls and two boys) from each of Connecticut’s eight counties in each of the three entry categories—were possible (unless entries were not received from each county or category). The winning essay (grades 4-5) and drawings (grades K-1 and grades 2-3) were selected from each county.

Forty-eight Merit winners—two winners (one girl and one boy) from each of Connecticut's eight counties in each of the three categories—were possible (unless entries were not received from each county or category).

All prizes were awarded during an official awards ceremony on May 13, 2010, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. The parents or legal guardians of the 88 County winners each received a check for $250. The parents or legal guardians of the 43 Merit winners each received a check for $50. Additionally, $50 OfficeMax^® gift cards were given to the top ten teachers whose students submitted the most entries.