Connecticut's Dream Big Competition Returns to Explore Children's Ambitions

Connecticut’s Dream Big! Competition is back! State Treasurer Erick Russell, Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), announced this week that the 2025 CHET Dream Big! Competition will run through Nov. 5, 2025. The competition is open to all Connecticut residents in grades K-12.

As part of the Dream Big! Competition, students in grades K-12 submit essays, videos, and artwork based on prompts about helping their community or bettering their lives. This year, $350,000 in prizes will be awarded as CHET 529 College Savings Plan – Direct Plan account contributions, along with technology prizes to Connecticut schools.

Three students will each be awarded $20,000 prizes, 24 will each be awarded $5,000 prizes, and 240 will each be awarded $500 prizes.

“The Dream Big! Competition gives Connecticut students the chance to explore their dreams and ambitions, while having the chance to contribute financially to their future education,” said Treasurer Russell. “It’s an opportunity for them to share who they are and what they aspire to be, through creativity and personal expression. The Competition continues to grow in popularity, and I’m proud to support this initiative that empowers so many young people across Connecticut.”

In addition to student prizes, every school in Connecticut with at least one student entry will be eligible for a random drawing. Ten schools will win a technology prize, each valued at $5,000. Please visit www.chetdreambig.com and click on Official Contest Rules (PDF) for more information on prize structure and awards.

As part of the Competition, younger students will be asked to answer a question focusing on their future plans or a time they were inspired to do good, and older students will be asked about an experience or person that has impacted them and how that will influence their future goals.

The Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET) direct-sold college savings plan was established in1997 and has grown to more than $5.7 billion in assets and 183,000 accounts. Over $3.5 billion has been withdrawn from CHET accounts to help more students pay for college expenses.

The State of Connecticut offers CHET to help families save for future higher education costs. Funds deposited into a CHET account have tax advantages and can be used at accredited colleges and universities across the country, including vocational and technical schools, and some colleges abroad.

Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 5.  Entry instructions, official rules and additional details can be found at www.chetdreambig.com.( No purchase is necessary to enter or win.)