As President Obama ushered in the first day of school for students across America last month, he received support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In an initiative with the foundation, as well as Viacom, they have come together to launch “Get Schooled.”
The five-year program has been created to provide resources for students seeking higher education. The goal is to give students the opportunity to qualify for the two million new jobs he will create in the next five years requiring an advanced degree.
“We couldn’t be having this conversation at a better time,” said Bill Gates during the announcement at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. “The education crisis is damaging our ability to compete in the global economy, and we need to do more to engage all Americans — from policymakers and corporate leaders to families and young people — in our efforts to support students in completing their education and achieving their dreams.”
The program released results of a poll showing that a large percentage of Americans believe that the US is lagging behind other nations when it comes to the quality of education. Eighty-one percent say they do not believe America has the best public education system. Eighty-nine percent believe that if American students are not receiving an education on par with their overseas counterparts, it will have a negative effect on the American economy.
Students have the chance to make a video for the president’s ”We Are What We Learn” program. Three finalists will win a $1000 scholarship. In order to qualify, entrants must create a video which answers the question: “Why is your education important to fulfilling your dreams?” and describe the steps they will take in order to fulfill them. The video can be a PSA, video blog, music video, animation, documentary, or other. The final date for entry is November 2.
Co-sponsor AT&T organized a block party which invited 400 Los Angeles-area public school students, parents, teachers and school administrators to experience performances by R&B singer Monica and Jesse McCartney to tie into the premiere of the documentary, “Get Schooled: You Have the Right.”
“We are committed to raising awareness and, even more importantly, to converting that awareness into action,” said Philippe Dauman, President and CEO of Viacom during Tuesday’s announcement. ”Improving the workforce readiness of America’s upcoming generations is a business imperative.”
photo credit: AP.