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College Support via Text Messages

October 19, 2016Presenters: Don Yu and Ben Castleman

Don YuDirector, Better Make Room

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The First Lady wants to help students get to and through

their postsecondary education.

Inspired by her own experience as a first-generation

college student, First Lady Michelle Obama wanted to

help more young people go to and graduate from

college.

In 2014, she started Reach Higher, an initiative for

families, schools, and communities to support all

students in pursuing rewarding postsecondary

opportunities; and in 2015, she announced the Better

Make Room campaign to directly reach underserved,

college-aspiring youth.

Now, Better Make Room has launched . It’s a

free tool created by education experts that walks

students all the way through the college process, from

applications to graduation and beyond -- all through

texting.

Preparing the next generation for what’s

through guidance, advice, and encouragement.

Like a college-support genie in students’ pockets, Up Next

sends text-based messages about things like applying for

college, filling out the FAFSA, and paying back student loans

after graduation.

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Like a college-support genie in students’

pockets, Up Next sends text-based

messages about things like applying for

college, filling out the FAFSA, and paying

back student loans after graduation.

Who is for?

High school seniors will be guided through their college

search, FAFSA completion, and college applications.

Current college students will get advice on the

transition to college, making use of campus resources,

and FAFSA renewal.

College grads will learn how to make informed loan

repayment decisions.

Parents & school counselors can access all this great

information, too.

Like a college-support genie in students’

pockets, Up Next sends text-based

messages about things like applying for

college, filling out the FAFSA, and paying

back student loans after graduation.

So what kind of support can

students get?

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Many students will also get free,

one-on-one college advising via

text message from real-life

college advisors working for four

college advising partner

nonprofits.

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And, as you’ll learn more about in the rest of

today’s webinar, it’s effective.

So, how do students sign up?

Students, parents, and

counselors can sign up by

texting “COLLEGE” to 44044anytime.

Then we’ll ask you a series of

short questions that help us

gather your info and tailor your

tips, advice, and

encouragement.

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CALL TO ACTIONGet your students signed up for Up

Next! It takes less than 10 seconds to

text in, it’s free, and it works.

Better Make Room can provide additional resources

and tools to help you get the word out! Contact Don at

don@civicnation.org.

Behavioral insights for scalable, sustainable solutions in education: The impact of text messages as nudges

Ben CastlemanAssistant Professor, University of Virginia

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My motivation

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Going forward: new channels

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Going forward – more from mobile

Going forward: Big Data + Behavioral

ScienceReal-time FAFSA

completion updates

Required summer

tasks

Courses to complete

a degree

Nudges to use

academic supports

Targeted growth

mindset messaging

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Going forward: Beyond traditional

education

Q & A