The 2013 CHET Dream Big! Competition, sponsored by the Connecticut State 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 January 22 through March 22, 2013.

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 3 were asked to draw a picture that portrays the answer to the question, “What do I want to do after I go to college?” The 4th- and 5th-grade students were asked to write an essay explaining, “How will I change the world after I go to college?”

Nearly 2,300 entries were received from across the state. A panel of judges selected the competition winners. Ninety-six (96) winners—two winners (one girl and one boy) from each of Connecticut’s eight counties from every grade—were possible (unless entries were not received from each county or in each grade).

Winners were honored during an awards ceremony on May 16, 2013, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. The parents or legal guardians of the student winners were each awarded a $300 contribution to a CHET direct-sold account. Additionally, $50 gift cards were awarded to the first 100 teachers who entered students in the competition.