NEW YORK, NY— The Advertising Council and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation joined today to launch a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to provide high school dropouts with access to information that will get them started on the road to a GED Diploma.
According to the US Census Bureau, more than 35.7 million adults ages 18-64 do not have a high school diploma. Data shows that students who drop out of high school tend to earn less, perform less well in society, and have a lower quality of life. Many of them must work multiple jobs just to support their family. Moreover, in 2005, 21% of families without a high school diploma were living below the poverty line, compared to 7.1% of those with high school diplomas.
Created pro bono by DDB Chicago, the campaign includes television, radio, print, outdoor and online ads available in English and Spanish. The PSAs aim to reach men and women in their mid to late 20’s who are high school dropouts. The ads illustrate to these young adults that achieving their GED Diploma gives them access to more possibilities in life — further education, better positions, and more confidence in themselves.
Grammy award winning country singer/songwriter Gretchen Wilson, a campaign spokesperson, dropped out of high school at the age of 15 and received her GED nearly 25 years later at the age of 34.
“We are excited to partner with Gretchen Wilson and Dollar General Literacy Foundation on this engaging and important campaign,” according to Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council.