Competition to promote Senate Democrats' Michigan 2020 Plan to offer free in-state tuition for all Michigan students

Senator Steve Bieda (D-Warren) announced the #mi2020 Scholarship Competition today that will award up to $10,000 to one Michigan high school senior graduating this spring. To enter, students are asked to submit a short web video at www.mi2020video.com that explains why Michigan needs to enact the Senate Democrats' Michigan 2020 Plan to offer free college tuition to all students.

“The economy isn't what it was when our parents, or even some of us, entered the job market. Businesses want, skilled, educated workers,” said Senator Bieda. “The #mi2020 scholarship competition will give our students a chance to show-case their talents and get involved in public policy. Going to college or learning a trade should be based on your ability to learn, not your ability to pay. This plan makes college attainable for our students.” The #mi2020 Scholarship Competition is open to all current Michigan high school seniors, whether they are attending public school, private school or are home-schooled. The winner will receive up to $10,000 (in privately raised funds) for their first year's expenses at a public Michigan university or community college.

“I hear from students on a routine basis that are ready to take on the challenge of going to college but struggle with how they can possibly afford it,” said Hedlun Walton, a Michigan guidance counselor. “A college education is a gateway to success for Michigan students and a key to getting our state back on track, and this scholarship will provide one student with that opportunity until we can provide it to every graduate in Michigan.”

To enter, high school seniors are asked to create a short web video that explains why Michigan needs to enact the Michigan 2020 Plan to offer free college tuition to all students. Submissions open today, March 6th, and are due by April 20, 2012. Online voting will begin on April 23rd with the top 20 videos moving on to the finals. For more information on the #mi2020 Scholarship Competition, including eligibility, judging criteria and how to enter, go to www.mi2020video.com.

The #mi2020 Scholarship Competition is designed to engage Michigan's young people in the discussion on the Michigan 2020 Plan. Senate Democrats will be introducing legislation on Thursday to implement the proposal. The Michigan 2020 Plan would enable all Michigan high school graduates to have their tuition and associated costs paid for at one of Michigan's community colleges or universities. The proposal would come at no extra cost to taxpayers and would instead be paid for by reducing ineffective and outdated tax loopholes. The total estimated cost of this program is $1.8 billion/year once it is fully implemented. To learn more about the Michigan 2020 Plan, you can visit http://www.michigan2020.com/.