FasMart convenience stores, the Richmond Braves, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Virginia College Savings Plan are preparing for the April 2008 return of the “FasMart Grand Slam Kid” college savings program

The program recognizes 6th to 9th graders statewide who excel in school, sports and community involvement. Five monthly winners will be honored at R-Braves home games from April to August. One of those five will be selected as the FasMart Grand Slam Kid of the Year.

Each monthly winner will receive a $500 account in the Virginia Education Savings Trust (VEST), which can be used to pay higher education tuition and mandatory fees, as well as room and board, textbooks, supplies and computers if required by the college for enrollment.

The FasMart Grand Slam Kid of the Year will receive an additional $2,500 in VEST, which is one of the four tax-advantaged 529 programs managed by the Virginia College Savings Plan.

Rules and a printable nomination form are available at www.rbraves.com. A letter outlining the academic, athletic and community achievements of each nominee is required along with the nomination form. The letter should not exceed one page.

Go to www.Virginia529.com for more information about VEST and Virginia’s other 529 savings programs.