The Finish Your Diploma campaign today released new public service advertisements (PSAs) to mark 15 years of empowering adults to complete their high school equivalency, such as their GED or HiSET. Launched in 2010 by the Ad Council and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF), the national campaign has connected more than 2 million people to free local adult education centers. Designed to reach the nearly 30 million adults in the United States without a high school diploma, the campaign encourages learners to use FinishYourDiploma.org’s zip code search tool to find free local classes near them and take the first step towards a brighter future.
Since its inception, the campaign has driven 9.26 million visits to FinishYourDiploma.org, connected 2.18 million people to local education centers, and received over $384 million in donated media – helping remove barriers around adult education and inspiring millions. Over the last 15 years, the campaign has built partnerships with industry leaders in marketing, media and tech to amplify real graduate stories and inspire adult learners across the country. The campaign’s strategic ad placements, donated media, and national PSAs continue to change the way people think about earning their high school equivalency.
Adults without a high school diploma often face higher unemployment rates and significantly lower earning potential, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In the latest survey, viewers of the Ad Council’s PSAs were 74% more likely to have taken an action towards getting their high school equivalency (HSE) in the past year.
This year’s new creative work highlights Elizabeth, a graduate who earned her high school equivalency at age 38 with the support of her local adult education center. The moving PSA captures Elizabeth’s story of overcoming obstacles to achieve her education dreams, become a school nurse, and serve as an inspiration to her friends and family. The creative work shares Elizabeth’s inspiring message: “If you can take that first step, the sky’s the limit.”
“Elizabeth’s story, along with the countless others we have highlighted in these fifteen years, reminds us of the impact that obtaining a high school diploma can have not only on an adult learner, but their family, friends and community,” said Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council. “We are deeply proud of what this campaign has accomplished and of all the partners whose commitment has made this progress possible.”
Additionally, the Ad Council has developed a video celebrating the campaign’s impact across its 15-year history and honors the media and creative partners who have made the effort such a success.