Fayette Education Foundation’s Bluegrass Bright Start Awards Ten 529 Scholarships to Help Families Save for Education

LEXINGTON – The Fayette Education Foundation awarded ten Lexington preschoolers scholarships totaling $2,500 through the Kentucky Educational Savings Plan Trust, known as KY Saves 529 on March 13, 2025 at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. This initiative called Bluegrass Bright Start aims to help families begin saving for their children’s future education in a tax-advantaged way.

“As we gather here today, to present college savings accounts to preschool students, I am in awe of this incredible gift from the Fayette Education Foundation,” said Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins. “These accounts will launch our students on their journey to college and career. Families and friends can contribute to these plans for years to come and ultimately over time, these preschool students today will have the power of our community’s generosity, as they grow into their bright future, all thanks to the Fayette Education Foundation.”

The announcement coincides with several milestones in education: March marks the second anniversary of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Fayette County, it is 250Lex’s Education Month, and it is also National Reading Month. Bluegrass Bright Start serves as both a celebration of these achievements and a commitment to supporting Lexington’s youngest learners.

“These preschoolers are among the over 7,000 children under age five who receive books from Imagination Library each month,” said Carrie Boling, Executive Director of the Fayette Education Foundation. “Through their participation in preschool and Imagination Library, their families recognize the importance of early literacy in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. Developing strong literacy and language skills at an early age helps ensure future academic success—from learning to read to reading to learn.”

How KY Saves 529 Supports Students
KY Saves 529 is designed to help families invest in a child’s education while benefiting from tax-deferred growth, favorable contribution options, and professional investment management. Each of the ten children selected will receive an initial $250 contribution to their KY Saves 529 account, with opportunities to earn additional funds as they participate in educational and placement activities throughout their time in Fayette County Public Schools.

A 529 account can be used for a variety of educational expenses, including tuition for college, graduate school, trade and vocational programs, and apprenticeship opportunities. Funds can also cover room and board, fees, books, computers, and even tools required by specific training programs.

Thanks to a donation from 250 Lex, $2,500 in scholarships was awarded to ten children who are just beginning their journey to college and career.

“When you open a KY Saves 529 account, you’re investing in a child’s dreams,” said Joe Wilcox, Institutional Relationship Manager. “KY Saves 529 is proud to partner with the City of Lexington, the Fayette Education Foundation, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to help make these children’s dreams a reality as part of the 250Lex celebration.”

Investing in Education and the Future Workforce
Lexington has a long-standing reputation as a hub for education. Mayor Linda Gorton has emphasized the city’s highly educated workforce, which makes it attractive to local employers and global businesses alike. However, nearly half of incoming Fayette County kindergarteners do not meet the basic readiness standards for school. This means many children start their education already behind.

Early literacy programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library help bridge this gap. Since March 2023, the program has mailed 140,395 free books to more than 9,500 Lexington children under age five, regardless of family income. The Fayette Education Foundation covers the local delivery costs, sharing the upwards of $200,000 annual expense with the Kentucky state legislature. Local businesses and individual donors play a crucial role in sustaining this program. To donate to the program or register a child, go to fayettefoundation.org/imagination-library.

Strengthening Community Partnerships for Education
“The Fayette Education Foundation connects businesses and community organizations with our public schools to ensure a world-class education for all students,” said Boling. “Despite potential changes to public education in the future, we remain confident that Lexington’s citizens will continue to support our schools through innovative partnerships. We are grateful to the Kentucky Higher Education Authority, 250Lex, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and Fayette County Public Schools for coming together to create Bluegrass Bright Start.”