Lincoln High School Wins Get Schooled Detroit Attendance Challenge with 8.56% Increase in Attendance
Nearly 10,000 Students from 17 Detroit Metro High Schools Competed in the Challenge, a partnership of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Chevrolet and Viacom
11th Grade Osborn Academy of Mathematics students win the Get Schooled Video Contest with Daily Routine
DETROIT, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln High School (Lincoln), one of United Way's "Networks of Excellence" schools, posted a dramatic 8.56% percent increase in attendance this spring to win the Get Schooled Detroit Attendance Challenge. Later this month, Get Schooled, Chevrolet, Viacom, and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan will recognize Lincoln's accomplishment – a performance that led them to the top of the Challenge based on attendance gains and student engagement.
"Lincoln High School has demonstrated that when the community comes together to support student achievement, success is possible," said Mark Reuss, President of General Motors North America and a GM Foundation board member. "The improvement in attendance shows Detroit and the nation that the students at Lincoln are committed to their future. We are thrilled to have worked with Viacom, Get Schooled and United Way to acknowledge that commitment and the importance of attendance in schools."
Get Schooled is a non-profit organization dedicated to using media, technology, and popular culture to improve high school graduation rates and college success rates. The Get Schooled Detroit Attendance Challenge, a series of student activities aimed at improving attendance, ran from Feb. 18 through April 27. More than half of all schools posted attendance increases during the challenge, with some posting a remarkable 8 percent gain.
Research shows attendance is one of the greatest predictors of graduation and a significant driver of student achievement. According to a 2008 study by UCLA, students with more than 20 absences in any given year have only a 19 percent chance of graduating.
"Lincoln High School – and all participating students across Detroit – are to be commended for stepping up to the Attendance Challenge, and taking their futures into their own hands," said Philippe Dauman, President and CEO of Viacom. "The success of the Detroit Attendance Challenge demonstrates the will of the city's students to succeed, and the commitment of Viacom, GM and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to support them."
Students in the challenge earned points for their attendance via a series of activations throughout the 10-week challenge. Nearly half of all students participated at least once during the challenge, including:
- 2,470 students signed up for wake-up calls. At least one student in every school in the challenge receives a wake-up call from a celebrity, encouraging them to go to school and reminding them of the value of education.
- Over 3,300 students nominated an inspiring teacher. In every school in the challenge, at least one teacher was recognized for their commitment to their students.
- Students across the Challenge played the "test your wits" trivia game 12,225 times – showing their stuff in math, history, and science (and a few lighter categories).
- 75 students submitted videos as part of The Get Schooled Video Contest, representing the power of education and their school's role in helping them get the education they need to succeed.
Daily Routine, a video by "No Excuses," a group of eleventh grade students at Osborn Academy of Mathematics, was selected as the winner of the Get Schooled Video Contest. The members of No Excuses, Amanda Swealingum, Destiny Mitchell, Shania Cobb, Tennie Jackson, and Yazmine Roberts, will be honored at a recognition ceremony, and have earned a personal meet-and-greet with a surprise Get Schooled celebrity principal for a day.
"Through the Get Schooled Detroit Attendance Challenge, the students in the Networks of Excellence Schools were inspired, engaged and excited about coming together as a school community to encourage their classmates to get to school all day, every day, " said Michael J. Brennan, President & CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "We are proud of all the schools and students who participated in the challenge."
Lincoln will celebrate its victory later this month with a surprise Get Schooled celebrity principal for the day at the school. The celebrity will connect with students in their classrooms and host a school-wide assembly as part of the celebration of the students' achievements.
Schools participating in the Get Schooled Detroit Attendance Challenge included: Detroit Central High School, Detroit Cody Campus of Small High Schools, Detroit Henry Ford High School, Detroit Osborn Campus of Small High Schools, Hamtramck High School, Harper Woods High School, East Detroit High School, Madison High School, River Rouge High School and Van Dyke Lincoln.
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives throughout the region in measurable and lasting ways. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at http://www.liveunitedsem.org.
About Viacom
Viacom is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in approximately 160 countries and territories. With more than 160 media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, celebrating its 100th year in 2012 and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming. For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.
About Get Schooled
Get Schooled is a non-profit organization dedicated to using media, technology, and popular culture to improve high school graduation rates and college success rates. Get Schooled connects with young Americans through its combination of on-air programming, online content, on-the ground events and school-based initiatives. Together with hundreds of schools, educators, and students, and boosted by partners like Viacom and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Get Schooled motivates and empowers students to make high school education a priority and college education a possibility. To learn more go to www.getschooled.com or follow Get Schooled at www.facebook.com/getschooledfoundation, or www.twitter.com/getschooled.
SOURCE Get Schooled
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