During the month, Kansans are encouraged to learn more about how to financially ensure their children have access to higher education. One way to plan and save is by opening a Learning Quest account, Kansas' 529 education savings plan. And, during September, a winning seventh and eighth grader in Kansas can take home a prize of $1,000 or $500 toward a Learning Quest education investment by writing a creative essay. Details can be found at learningquest.com/essay.

"With the price for education after high school continuing to increase it is more important than ever for Kansas families to start saving early for their children's future," said Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney and Learning Quest Program Administrator. "The Learning Quest 529 Education Savings program helps make higher education more affordable, even in difficult times."

"Struggling Kansans will find the greatest opportunities to move their families ahead through education," said McKinney. "Here in Kansas we value education, and believe that if you are willing to work hard and save, you deserve the opportunity to advance yourself and your family."

The Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program was created to help families invest for their child's continued education after high school whether at a traditional four year college, community college or technical/vocational school. Kansas taxpayers can receive a Kansas tax deduction up to $3,000 per child ($6,000 if married, filing jointly) on contributions to Learning Quest or any other state-sponsored 529 plan.

"Kansans should know that the Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Program is a tax-advantaged way to invest in their children's future," said Stacey Belford, Vice President 529 Sales with American Century Investments, the Learning Quest Program Manager.

General information about Learning Quest is available by calling 1-877-345-8837 or by visiting www.learningquest.com.

McKinney, a former State Representative and House Minority Leader from Greensburg, became the 38th State Treasurer of Kansas in January 2009. As Treasurer, McKinney secures financial assets for the state, returns Kansans unclaimed cash and property, administers the state's Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Plan and develops tools to empower Kansans financially. McKinney is a farmer and a stockman in Kiowa and Comanche counties. A lifelong Kansan, McKinney resides in Greensburg with his wife Jean and their daughters Kelly and Lindy.

American Century Investments is a leading investment manager with nearly five decades of experience helping investors achieve their financial goals. For more information about the company, visit www.americancentury.com.

As with any investment, withdrawal value may be more or less than the original investment.

Before investing, carefully consider the plans' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This information and more about Learning Quest can be found in the Handbook, available by contacting your financial advisor or American Century Investment Services, Inc., Distributor and Underwriter, at 1-877-345-8837and should be read carefully before investing. If you are not a Kansas taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the beneficiary's home state offers a 529 Plan that provides its taxpayers with state tax and other benefits not available through these plans.

Notice: Accounts established under Learning Quest and their earnings are neither insured nor guaranteed by the State of Kansas, the Kansas State Treasurer, or American Century Investments.