Dollar General Literacy Foundation's Inspiring PSAs Aim to Inspire Adult Learners

Today, the Ad Council and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation launched new public service ads (PSAs) for the national Finish Your Diploma campaign, which provides adults with the information needed to earn a high school equivalency diploma and encourages people to sign up for free adult education classes by finding nearby centres at FinishYourDiploma.org.

 

The campaign builds on the inspirational “No One Gets a Diploma Alone” message, which inspired more than 200,000 people across the United States to find free adult education classes over the past year and features three compelling personal stories from Nia, Marco and Carissa, adults who recently earned their high school diplomas in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

 

“The new PSAs reflect the power of personal accomplishments and gratitude for those who inspire us along the path to our dreams,” said Denine Torr of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We hope that these powerful stories coupled with the information and referral resources available on the campaign’s website make it easier for adults looking to complete high school.”

 

The United States’ national graduation rate rose to record highs in 2017, but approximately 34 million American adults still do not have a high school diploma.  On average, individuals with a high school degree can expect to earn 30 percent more than adults without a diploma over their lifetime, a difference of nearly $10,000 per year according to 2015 U.S. Census data.

Concerns over studying while balancing work obligations and supporting families are often obstacles that prevent individuals from finishing their diploma.  The campaign showcases graduates who received support from family, friends and teachers to attend classes and earn their diploma, recognising and surprising a key supporter who helped them along the journey with a heartfelt thank you. The PSAs also help remind students they may have more support than they realize to earn their high school diploma, including people who want to provide them with guidance and are willing to help with anything from studying to household errands or with a ride to class to make sure they succeed.

 

 

“Nia, Marco and Carissa are just three of the hardworking graduates across the country – and we hope that their powerful stories in the new PSAs will inspire many more to follow in their footsteps,” said Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman. “It’s difficult to think about adding studying and classes to an already busy schedule including work and family responsibilities, but having a lot of supporters in their corner can make all the difference for people who are thinking of finishing their high school degree.”

 

In addition to featuring three adult learners who have recently graduated with their high school diplomas, the campaign also showcases teachers at local education centers who are waiting to help students on their journey to achieving a high school equivalency diploma.

 

Since its inception in 2010, the Ad Council and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Finish Your Diploma campaign has helped more than one million adults in all 50 states find free test-prep classes in their area, and nearly five million people have visited FinishYourDiploma.org. The campaign has received more than $159 million in donated support from the media community. Additionally, according to a survey commissioned by the Ad Council and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, more adults report valuing the importance of obtaining a high school diploma. 

 

The PSAs were produced pro bono by advertising agency McKinney and are available in English and Spanish and across all media types.

 

“‘No one gets a diploma alone’ is more than a campaign tagline,” according to McKinney creative team Ellen Page and Dylan Meagher. “It’s an insight that rings true for every adult who goes through the process of finishing their high school diploma. We wanted to show potential graduates that they do have more support than they realize by celebrating and thanking the people in their lives who helped them get there. After all, when an adult graduates high school, everyone who helped them graduates too.”

 

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs are distributed to more than 33,000 media outlets nationwide and run on air time and space entirely donated by the media.