Michelle Obama launches video contests for Reach Higher Initiative
Last week, the First Lady announced two video contests as part of her Reach Higher Initiative, which encourages high schools graduates to attend a four-year university, community college or a professional training program.
Both high school and college students are competing in the contests hoping to earn the prize of Michelle Obama coming to their school to share her knowledge about higher education and life after high school.
To enter the first contest, high school students, teachers and administrators make a video that encourages students to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
The Near-Peer Mentoring College Challenge, which is the second contest, urges college officials and student groups to submit a video that illustrates both college immersion and peer-mentoring programs available on campuses for incoming students, particularly those from underprivileged communities.
To be considered, contestants are required to upload their efforts to Vimeo or YouTube. They are also encouraged to post their video on social media sites and use #ReachHigher.
The Reach Higher initiative supports President Obama’s “North Star” goal to make America have the world’s highest proportion of college graduates by 2020.
The First Lady will speak at the contest winners’ commencement ceremonies in spring of 2015.
Once again, Michelle Obama is out there, urging our students to aim higher and continue their education. The First Lady is an outstanding role model for the youth of this country and her direct involvement with the Reach Higher initiative only supports her desire to help students succeed. I am confident that America will continue to have the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020 under President Obama and the First Lady’s leadership.
Michelle seems to come up with ideas like this, which is good except: how can they really identify who deserves to be the winner based on a video? I wish she would go to more than just two schools to speak.
I think the lucky winners will really enjoy hearing the First Lady speak at their commencement. She’s a woman who can lead by example, encourage young students and hopefully encourage these young adults to always reach higher. Her video contest idea is a good one.
Mrs. Obama is a great leader and role model. I always enjoy reading about what she is doing for our students. Those two schools will be lucky to hear her speak at their commencements.