(TOPEKA) -State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA urges Kansans with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to apply for the Kansas Investments Developing Scholars (K.I.D.S) program. Eligible Kansans may receive up to $600 if they open and fund a Learning Quest account before Dec. 31, 2007.
"The KIDS program was developed specifically for those hard working Kansas families who find it difficult to set aside money for their children's college education," said Treasurer Jenkins. "Don't miss this opportunity to have the state of Kansas contribute $600 towards your children's post-secondary education dreams."
Eligibility is based on the previous year's income tax information. A family of four whose annual household income is less than $41,300 would be eligible to receive matching grant funds. Additional income guides can be found at www.KansasStateTreasurer.com/KIDS.
To receive an enrollment application and other program materials, interested parties should call the State Treasurer's office at 785-296-3171, e-mail LQ@treasurer.state.ks.us, or visit www.KansasStateTreasurer.com/KIDS.
"There are a limited number of spaces available in each congressional district in Kansas," Treasurer Jenkins said. "The First District is nearly filled but there are many spaces available in the Fourth District. "
KIDS, is a three-year pilot program started in 2006 and funded by the Kansas Legislature with general tax revenue. Learning Quest, created by the State Legislature in 1999, has grown to nearly $2 billion in assets and over 100,000 accounts. The program is administered by the Kansas State Treasurer's office and is professionally managed by American Century Investments.
Jenkins, a former State Representative and Senator from Topeka, was re-elected to her second term as Kansas State Treasurer on Nov. 7, 2006. During her time as Treasurer, Jenkins has expanded investment options in Learning Quest and oversaw the re-bidding of the program, returned an average of $9 million a year in unclaimed property to Kansans, initiated multiple financial literacy programs, and eliminated the reliance on state general fund dollars to operate the office. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former small business owner.
Before investing, carefully consider the plans investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This information and more about the plan can be found in the Learning Quest Handbook, available from American Century Investment Services, Inc., Distributor and Underwriter at 1-800-579-2203, and 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 this plan.
General information about Learning Quest is available by calling 1-800-579-2203 or by visiting learningquest.com. Investment advisors interested in Learning Quest Advisor should call 1-877-882-6236 or visit www.americancentury.com/ipro.
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. 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.
