Students are invited to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support their efforts to address sexual violence, which includes issues of campus sexual assault, relationship abuse, and harassment.
(Los Angeles, CA – September 16, 2014) – When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation has teamed with Participant Media’s television network, Pivot and Students of the World to launch the #iAspire Grant Contest to raise awareness of the issue of sexual violence on university campuses across the country, and highlight student initiatives to prevent issues such as sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
Participating students can apply for anywhere from $500 to $5,000 in funding. Applicants are asked to share not only the work they are doing on their campus and in their community, but also to share their vision for how they would use the funding.
“Statistics show that one in five women will experience sexual assault during her college experience,” notes McGraw. “I think that is unacceptable. I want to amplify the great work students are doing on college campuses to make a difference and raise awareness of how people can protect themselves and be a part of the solution around sexual violence.”
“We are so pleased to be working with Robin McGraw and her foundation, When Georgia Smiled, to support the people and programs looking to solve this serious issue,” said John Arianas, EVP Branded Solutions for Pivot.
Through October 15th, students can apply through the Studentsoftheworld.org/iaspire for $500 to $5,000 in funding to support their visions for programs, resources, and educational components addressing issues of sexual violence. Of the winners selected, Robin McGraw will select one student to be invited to attend a taping of the DR. PHIL show that will feature his or her initiative.
In addition to applying for a grant, students are encouraged to download Aspire News, a free smartphone app, available in the iTunes stores and at www.whengeorgiasmiled.org, that allows the user to create pre-written text or voice messages to be sent to designated numbers (911 or other chosen contacts) with just the tap of a button. The ignition of the app’s “go button” also starts a recording to capture the details of the domestic violence encounter or other dangerous event underway. Aspire News is designed to appear like any other smart phone app to the untrained eye, allowing it to be downloaded and used in secret. Launched by When Georgia Smiled in October 2013, the Aspire News app has already had more than 80,000 downloads and was recognized on Capitol Hill by the National Health Collaborative on Violence and Abuse as one of the two apps in 2014 most beneficial in the fight to end domestic violence.
The #iAspire Grant Contest is made possible with support from When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation. For further information, and to apply for a grant, visit http://www.studentsoftheworld.org/iaspire/ or WhenGeorgiaSmiled.org.
About When Georgia Smiled
When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation, creates and advances programs that help women and children, especially those affected by domestic violence, live healthy, safe and joy-filled lives. For more information, visit www.WhenGeorgiaSmiled.org.
About Pivot
Participant Media’s television network Pivot (http://www.Pivot.tv), launched nationally in August 2013, serves passionate Millennials (18-34) with a diverse slate of talent and a mix of original series, acquired programming, films and documentaries. Pivot focuses on entertainment that sparks conversation, inspires change and illuminates issues through engaging content, and connects audiences to a wealth of content and actions through its affiliated website TakePart (http://www.TakePart.com). Pivot is available in approximately 45 million homes in North America via traditional pay TV subscription, integrating a live and on-demand streaming option via the Pivot app. Follow Pivot on Twitter at @pivot_tv and on Facebook at facebook.com/pivottelevision.
Participant Media (http://www.ParticipantMedia.com) is a global entertainment company founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll to focus on feature film, television, publishing, and digital content that inspires social change. Through its films, social action campaigns, digital network, and its television network, Participant seeks to entertain, encourage and empower every individual to take action.
Students of the World (SOW)
Students of the World is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with a national network of university students and creative professionals to produce media that inspires positive social action. We believe in the creative capacity of our generation, the transformative power of storytelling, and the value of highlighting positive change.