White House, mtvU to Recognize Students’ Innovative Projects

The White House is partnering with mtvU to recognize college students nationwide who are working to better their community and help improve America, officials announced on Wednesday.

Called the Campus “Champions of Change” Challenge, the project is part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative, which works to recognize individuals—including educators, entrepreneurs, and now students—who are working on progressive projects.

“All across America, college and university students are helping our country out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world,” President Obama said in a statement.  “I hope this challenge shines a light on their efforts, and inspires Americans of all ages to get involved in their communities.”

Members of the public will be invited to vote on fifteen on the top applications. President Obama will honor the top five winners as Champions of Change, welcoming them to the White House for a reception.

The winners will also work with mtvU and MTV Act—the social action arm of the MTV family—to develop videos detailing their projects to air on the network and on MTV.com. In addition, the highest placing submission will host an episode of mtvU’s “Dean’s List.”

MTV President Stephen Friedman said the network is proud to “give students a national platform to spotlight the incredible work they’re doing to inspire change in communities, and in our country.”

Students with socially conscious projects are encouraged to apply online at www.WhiteHouse.gov/CampusChallenge by the Dec. 9 deadline.

Brian Stewart is the communications manager at Campus Progress.

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