Upromise Tuition Tales Contest Offers Chance to Win $10,000

For many families struggling with today's economy, college tuition simply breaks the bank. Upromise, the largest private source of college funding contributions in America, is offering a creative opportunity for future, current and even recent graduates to win $10,000 toward a higher education. As part of its mission to help make a college education more attainable, Upromise is launching its Tuition Tales (www.tuition-tales.com) video contest.

The video contest, which runs through May 3, encourages people to submit a 30-second video entry at www.tuition-tales.com. The videos will be judged on creativity, quality and a demonstrated need for help paying for college. One contestant in each of three categories - Saving for College, In College Now and Paying it Back - will win $10,000 for college education expenses. Twelve finalists will win a $250 Bed Bath & Beyond(R) gift card and $250 Bank of America(R) Visa(R) Gift Card.

The top 12 videos will be selected by a combination of online votes and a panel of judges. Once selected all 12 finalists will be posted online and the public will vote (May 12 - 20) to determine which Tuition Tales win in each category. Contestants must be at least 18 years old to enter and can submit entries on behalf of themselves, a family member or friend.

"Tuition Tales is another important way Upromise is helping people achieve a college education. With careful planning, hard work and saving, everyone should have an opportunity to earn a college degree," said David Rochon, president of Upromise.

As part of the Tuition Tales launch, 75 disadvantaged inner city students, ages 5-14 years old, built the world's largest piggy bank as a symbol of the importance of saving for college. The students are participating in afterschool programs conducted by LeAp, a non-profit New York City-based educational organization.

Produced for Upromise