- Hands Across California - California Community Colleges
The California community colleges serve approximately 3,000,000 students each year, many of whom receive public funds to continue their education. In a time of economic crisis in the state of California, classes are being cut and tuition for the colleges is being raised. This leaves many students unable to afford the rising cost of tuition and books and unable to secure the classes that they need to finish their Associate’s Degrees, complete their general education requirements before transferring to a university, or receive vocational training or professional development to continue their careers.
Hands Across California Raises Awareness and Money for the Colleges
The state-wide event, Hands Across California, was created as a way to raise awareness about the importance of the community colleges and to raise money for a scholarship fund that will benefit students at all 112 of the community colleges.
The event will take place on April 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., and “Hands Across California” will be just as it sounds – a human line that stretches across the state, from San Diego to Sacramento.
Participating in and Watching the Hands Across California Event
The human chain will span over 1,000 miles and is expected to attract at least 1,000,000 participants and spectators. There are many ways to take part in the event. For example, participants can donate and fundraise, stand in line, or cheer on those who are standing in line. Social media is being used to create awareness about the event, and a Facebook page has been created to educate and inspire potential participants and donors.
Accessing the Route for Hands Across California
In order to help participants find each other and to provide more information about the route, Yahoo! is providing map technology that will allow participants to zoom in on the path and then "declare" their position online to their family and friends.
It is important to note that although it was not possible for the route to directly include all 112 of the state’s community colleges (as some are in remote locations), the route was designed to include as many colleges as possible. And, it is also important to note that the colleges which are not officially included in the route are still participating in a variety of important ways by bringing attention to the event and helping to fundraise.
History of the Event: Student Scholarships and the Bernard Osher Foundation
In 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the Bernard Osher Foundation had donated $50 million to establish a scholarship fund for California community college students. From this fund, eligible students are awarded an annual scholarship of $1,000.
The first $25 million from the Osher Foundation was given as a gift, and the second $25 million was issued as a challenge grant. Therefore, the Osher Foundation will match donations that are collected before June 2011 at 50% (up to $25 million). This means that if the Foundation for California Community Colleges, which manages the grant money, can raise $50 million by this time, they will receive the full additional $25 million from The Osher Foundation, thereby creating a total scholarship fund of $100 million dollars. As such, this donation is one of the largest ever given to an institute of higher education, and the Hands Across California event is the single largest fundraiser for community colleges in the history of the nation.
Fundraising
Participants and spectators do not have to fundraise in order to participate in Hands Across California, but since this is a fundraiser, all donations are appreciated. Participants can collect pledges from friends, family and local businesses and individuals who would like to donate can text HANDS to 27722 to donate $10. Individual donors can also donate online through the website. Donations of at least $15 entitle the donor to receive a t-shirt with the logo for Hands Across California, and those who receive t-shirts are asked to wear their shirt during the event.
Celebrity Endorsements
Many celebrities, including Ryan Seacrest, Mark Harmon, Chef Guy Fieri, and even rap artist MC Hammer will be joining the forces to raise money. The event is also supported by some very well-known politicians, including Former President Bill Clinton and California’s Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom.
Come join celebrities and politicians alike on April 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. and make your mark by helping secure the future of the California Community Colleges.
Kristin Krogh - As a native of Southern California, Kristin has spent the majority of her life basking in seventy degree weather. When wanderlust finally ...
