The World Better Make Room For You

Right now, you should text “COLLEGE” to 44044. Here’s why.

Many of you are about to start that first great step toward the career of your dreams. I know I’m working towards that myself – and I also know that my college education has been crucial to getting me here. President Obama has made it a top priority to increase college attendance and completion rates across the country. Supporting this work, First Lady Michelle Obama recently launched Up Next, a Better Make Room messaging campaign that gives students free personalized support on everything you need to get to college and graduate – all through texting.

Better Make Room’s campaign helps high school and college students complete all the steps needed

to make their own path through college. Any student can text “COLLEGE” to 44044 – and increase his or her chances of beating the odds. We all know that the path to and through college can be a tough one. We all need more support, more information, and more access to financial resources. Up Next will send you reminders and tips about everything from financial aid deadlines to student loan repayment. If you’re in high school, you can also get support for things like signing up for the SAT or ACT, college search and application, and completing the FAFSA.

Dr. Ben Castleman, a professor at the University of Virginia, has studied text-based campaigns like Up Next. His research shows that these campaigns can significantly increase students’ college enrollment and graduation. As an intern with Better Make Room, I am proud to be part of their team and to play a role in increasing our generation’s access to higher education.

Two years ago, my life changed forever. I had always hoped that I would go to college, but my family was struggling, and the world around me didn’t seem to understand what I was up against. Then I was granted a new chance in life – a scholarship to pursue an education at American University. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have this kind of support. But I wish that I had gotten to participate in Up Next when I was first starting out and looking into the college process. Life would have been a lot simpler if I had had someone guiding me step by step – and with something as easy as texting.

So, I’m encouraging you – and every college or high school student you know, especially those who might have the odds stacked against them – to join the First Lady’s college support campaign by texting “COLLEGE” to 44044. It’s that simple.

Once every student has the college support he or she needs, we can ensure that our generation will be among the best educated and the most able to make a difference. The world Better Make Room.

Dennis Murphy is a student at American University and intern with Better Make Room.