ATLANTA — In an effort to raise awareness across the nation about saving for college, September has been declared National College-Savings Month.

Georgia is joining other states this month to encourage families to prepare financially for higher-education expenses. In conjunction with the special month, the Path2College 529 Plan once again is holding a statewide coloring sweepstakes. Georgia children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade can color Hootie the Wise Old Owl and complete the sentence, “When I graduate, I’m going to be a ____,” for a chance to win $1,529 for his or her college savings.

Coloring sheets and official rules can be found at www.Path2College529.com. Entries must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian, post-marked by Sept. 30 and received by Oct. 5. One winner will be drawn at random in mid-October. No purchase is necessary.

The winner’s school will receive $1,000.