The Drum Awards for Marketing - Extended Deadline

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By Minda Smiley | Reporter

October 8, 2015 | 2 min read

Actor Phil LaMarr and comedian Ron Funches are starring in a series of PSAs for non-profit Get Schooled, which provides tools and information for high school students who need help with their college application process.

In partnership with the Ad Council and Viacom, which owns networks including MTV, Nickelodeon, and VH1, the PSAs use humor to encourage students to seek out free college resources at Get Schooled’s website.

The goal of the campaign is to make the jump from high school to college easier for the 71 per cent of students who consider college prep ‘very stressful,’ according to research from the Ad Council.

On the site, students can browse articles like ‘Pick The Right Classes In School’ that tell them what courses they should take before senior year if they want to meet the expectations of most colleges. It also features gif-filled BuzzFeed-like articles such as ‘The 6 Stages Of Studying.’

Students who need help navigating financial aid can read articles like ‘When Is Your FAFA Due?’ which details state-by-state which deadlines students should meet if they want to receive the most aid.

Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council, said: “While the vast majority of students say they hope to go to college, it’s concerning that only half feel prepared to do so. We hope that this new campaign entertains and motivates teens as they navigate the college application process that can have a major impact on their future.”

The PSAs were created by Viacom Velocity, the company’s creative content team. They will run on a number of Viacom’s networks as well as media outlets.

Both Viacom's MTV and the Ad Council participated in The Drum's Plan It Day.

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