FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
YMCAs Join Effort To Help Young People KnowHow2GO to College
National college-readiness ad campaign launches this month
CHICAGO, January 31, 2007—YMCA of the USA has signed on as the first national outreach partner of KnowHow2GO, an innovative multimedia campaign designed to help young people take practical steps toward making their college dreams a reality. KnowHow2GO is sponsored nationally by Lumina Foundation for Education, the Ad Council and the American Council on Education.
As national leaders in engaging young people and helping them fully develop their potential, YMCAs across the country will distribute information on KnowHow2GO to young people in their college preparation and teen leadership programs. In particular, YMCA Black and Hispanic Achievers programs at 165 YMCAs nationwide will provide resources to interested students and actively participate in events and contests throughout the year.
“YMCA of the USA is pleased to partner with KnowHow2GO to increase awareness about resources that are available to young people interested in going to college,” said Neil Nicoll, YMCA of the USA President and CEO. “Outside of schools, YMCAs serve more children than any other national organization. Our goal is to see as many young people as possible, especially those with fewer opportunities and greater challenges, pursue their dreams.”
The campaign includes national public service advertising on television, radio and billboards, as well as in malls and schools. In addition, the campaign will reach out to students, parents and mentors through an interactive Web site—KnowHow2GO.org.
Studies from the U.S. Department of Education show that eight out of 10 students expect to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, but few students understand what they need to do to be fully prepared for college. In response, the KnowHow2GO campaign provides students with four simple steps they can follow to guide their preparation for postsecondary education:
- Be a pain—in a good way. Find an adult who can help you navigate the steps to apply to college. Let everyone know you want to go to college, and don’t stop until you find someone who can and will help you.
- Push yourself. Colleges require you to take certain classes in high school. Find out which classes are necessary and sign up. Also, to improve your chances for admission, boost your GPA if needed or sign up to participate in school clubs and activities.
- Find the right fit for college. Think about interests and activities that you enjoy. Explore colleges with programs that suit your interests.
- Get your hands on some $$$. There’s money out there to help pay for college. Apply for it! If you need help, ask an adult or a peer who has gone to college.
“YMCAs’ ongoing commitment to building strong kids, families and communities makes them an ideal partner for KnowHow2GO,” said Martha D. Lamkin, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation. "Through this partnership, the KnowHow2GO campaign will inform thousands of young people across the country about the necessary steps to take to earn better opportunities. It will also help us reach caring adults involved in YMCAs to help these students succeed."
“We want to make sure that all students know that good grades and big dreams aren’t enough to open the doors to post-secondary education. There are actual steps they need to take,” said David Ward, president of the American Council on Education. “YMCAs’ experience and resources will be invaluable as we communicate these steps to young people across the country. We are very excited to have them on board as our first national outreach partner.”
For more information, visit KnowHow2GO.org, or call 1-800-433-3243.
# # #
About KnowHow2Go
Big dreams and good grades aren’t enough to get into college. KnowHow2Go is a national public service campaign designed to inform young people about the actual steps they need to take to make their college dreams a reality. The campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and interactive advertising. It is sponsored by Lumina Foundation for Education, American Council on Education and the Ad Council. Visit KnowHow2Go.org for more information.
About YMCA of the USA
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation’s 2,663 YMCAs, which serve more than 20.2 million people each year, including 9.5 million children, uniting men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. From urban areas to small towns, YMCAs are a place for people to belong, serving America’s communities for more than 150 years by building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Visit www.ymca.net to find your local YMCA.
For more information, please contact:
Diane Hurles
Donor Relations Manager
YMCA of the USA
(312) 419-8325
diane.hurles@ymca.net