First Lady announces Reach Initiative graduation video contest

Students at high schools and colleges across the United States are vying for their institutions to be chosen to host Michelle Obama as she prepares to share her thoughts on the importance of higher education.

Last week, the First Lady announced that her Reach Higher initiative, which urges students of all levels of ability to be ambitious in setting their sights on studying and training beyond college or secondary school, will include two graduation video contests.

To enter the first contest, students, teachers and education professionals must create a video which encourages students to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Entry into the second contest, named the Near-Peer Mentoring College Challenge- is dependent on students and university officials’ submission of a video which shows examples of their institutions’ peer-mentoring and university induction activities for incoming students.

It has been confirmed that the First Lady will speak at the winners’ commencement ceremonies in spring, 2015.