IDeal, Idaho’s state-run 529 College Savings Plan, has launched a social media-driven video contest, running through September. Entrants will have the opportunity to win one of three $529 awards toward a college savings account by submitting a video that answers the question, “How will college help you achieve your big dream?”

Entrants need to create and upload a 30-to 60-second original video (via the contest link at www.idsaves.org ) explaining their big plans for the future, and how post-secondary education can help make those dreams a reality. After entering, contestants can share their videos via various social media platforms to drive friends and family to vote for the video.

The three entrants with the most votes by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 6 will win.

Entrants must be 18 years of age or older and be Idaho residents. Kids may “star” in the video; however, parents and guardians must enter on behalf of children under the age of 18. Votes will be tabulated in three age categories:

• Kindergarten through sixth grade.
• Seventh grade through 12th grade.
• Adults, who can enter on behalf of themselves or the children in their lives, including grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

IDeal will award a fourth prize of $529 to a K-12 Idaho public school based on the entrant with the most votes, in an effort to encourage public schools to participate.

The contest is part of College Savings Month, a national campaign to encourage families to use college savings accounts to help pay for post-secondary education.

 Idaho Core Standards evening learning session

The Lee Pesky Learning Center is hosting a Tuesday evening event for parents and others to learn more about how Idaho’s new teaching and learning standards will affect students with learning challenges.

Idaho adopted Common Core State Standards (or Idaho Core Standards) and this event will focus on supports available for students with reading, writing and math learning challenges. The conversation will be hosted by Evelyn Johnson, Lee Pesky Learning Center’s executive director.

The event is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the center’s Boise office, 3324 Elder St.

The event is free, but seating is limited; click here to RSVP.

Contact Katelyn Smith, the parent outreach coordinator, if you have questions.