College days

So, we’ve suddenly gotten a flurry of postcards and information from local and state colleges – probably due to my son being a junior, and a very big push to do everything “local” around here. There’s open houses, and information packets urging us to Call Today! and a variety of other papers from the High School itself. It’s sort of funny, because at this point in time, neither of my teenagers are planning on going to college. The boy, he’s determined to work, and take a -possibly lifelong – break from school. The girl is a freshman and just doesn’t want to think about it yet. And since I didn’t get my degree until I turned 34, I really see no point in pushing them toward a higher education that they don’t want, won’t like, and haven’t decided they need yet.

But again, as in oh so many areas, I’m not a normal mom. A lot of other parent’s in the area have been grooming their darlings to escape the state and attend bigger, better colleges in order to nab up those big paying jobs. I’d be willing to bet they get a nice case of hives when they check into how much it will cost, as well, and start urging the kids toward scholarships and grants, rather then loans.

We’re all looking for ways to save – and education costs is a part of that mission. Upromise knows this, and has decided to help out. Upromise has decided to give anyone – student, parent, grandparent or graduate a chance to tell their tuition tale and enter a contest with the chance to win a total of $30k for college expenses!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 will be known as Tuition Tuesday. Upromise will kick off the contest, where they will search for the “most creative, entertaining and deserving individuals”. There are three categories: Saving for College; In College Now; and Paying It Back. It could be Nana explaining how her 3 year old grandbaby will become president, or a HS Senior singing his dreams of taking the concert world by storm. There will be three grand prize winners – $10k each – one from each category.

Here are the rest of the details:

Contest participants can enter from March 24 to May 3, on behalf of themselves or their family members and friends by uploading a 30 seconds or less video clip on why they or someone they know deserve money for college at Tuition-Tales.com.

During the voting period, May 6-May 12, the public will have a chance to vote for their favorite video and play the Tuition Tales instant win game for the opportunity to win daily prizes. The twelve videos with the most votes will receive a $250 Bed Bath & Beyond® Gift Card and enter the final voting phase, May 13-May 19. Three grand prize winners will be awarded $10,000 for college expenses.

Last year the Tuition Tales contest was only open to Upromise members and received more than 250 creative videos. This year the contest is open to the public – Upromise member or not. Contest participants must be at least 18 years old to enter.

So check it out today! After all, every little bit helps, right?