State Farm Education Assist™ | State Farm (IMAGE) A room full of people are seen at a presentation at Georgia State University (Text on screen) LIVE FROM GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSTIY, DECATOR CAMPUS The Broadcast Is About To Begin [INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING] (Text on screen) Georgia State LIFT Live from Decatur, GA (IMAGE) Overhead footage is seen of Georgia State University, and then we return to the room where a presentation is taking place. Ryan Cameron is seen on stage. Text identifies him as Host and Media Personality. Camera switches from audience to speaker. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Yeah, that works. [APPLAUSE] And as you can see here, we have a great studio audience. I want to welcome everybody – our online audience today, those of you in the room, our dignitaries, and all of our special audience members. Today is an incredible day in Atlanta for area high school students and college-bound students, so stay tuned right here. My name is Ryan Cameron. I am the host of the Ryan Cameron Morning Show with Wanda Smith on the people's station, V-103. I'm also the public-address announcer for the Atlanta Hawks. I'm also the pre-game host for the Atlanta Falcons. Yes, I like to work! (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia [LAUGHTER] But it's a big day here for Atlanta. We want to thank you guys for joining us today. And this is Georgia State LIFT, and it's State Farm live! (Text on screen) Georgia State University/Perimeter College logo Opportunity Education Your Future HOPE [INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING] (IMAGE) A female student is seen walking toward some outdoor sidewalk tables. She joins two other students already working on laptops and places hers on the table. Next, we return to the presentation. Ryan Cameron introduces Dr. Mark Becker, President of Georgia State University, and State Farm CEO, Michael Tipsord. Both men join him on stage. (Text on screen) Georgia State University/Perimter College logo Welcome (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Again, there's a big announcement. I can say it's life changing, because it is for a lot of students today and those who are going to be students. They're going to the next level. I'd like to introduce two special guests that are joining me here today -- Dr. Mark Becker, President of Georgia State University. [APPLAUSE] And also, State Farm CEO, Michael Tipsord. [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) So Mark, let's start with you. Tell us a little bit about the university and the Decatur campus. (Speaker: Dr. Mark Becker) Certainly. Well, Georgia State University is one of the largest universities in the country with more than 50,000 students. We have a campus in Downtown Atlanta, where we have our baccalaureate programs as well as our graduate programs. But then spread around the Atlanta area, we have our Perimeter campus, which starts as a two-year institution for students who either want to complete associate's degrees or certificates, or then matriculate on for a baccalaureate degree at Georgia State or elsewhere. And so the Decatur campus is one of those five campuses. We're one of the most diverse universities in the country, and the Decatur campus represents that as well. (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Can you give us some insight on some of the challenges that students are facing today? (Speaker: Dr. Mark Becker) Well, certainly. One of the biggest challenges that students face today is just the complexity of navigating a complicated financial landscape. So for a student of, basically, any economic means, there are opportunities. There are Pell Grants, there are HOPE Scholarships in Georgia, there’s Work-Study, there's all sorts of opportunities as well as loans. But navigating that landscape is very challenging because all these different programs have different rules. And so one of the big lifts we try to do is help students find the resources available to them -- and we're for happy for State Farm on that account -- find the resources available to them and then to take advantage of those resources to transform their families to basically get that education that leads to a better life for the student, for their family in general, as well as subsequent generations. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) So Michael, talk about why State Farm is here today and your partnership. What brought you guys together? (Speaker: Michael Tipsord) So I always start with what we are as an organization and what our mission is. And our mission is about helping people. That's what we're about as a company. And how do we best serve our customers? That's what we focus on. And so when you think back to how you can actually accomplish that, the education -- how important education is to make that happen. And it matters. (Text on screen) Michael Tipsord Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer State Farm logo (Speaker: Michael Tipsord) It matters from the standpoint of a quality workforce. Think about the dynamics. Think about all the changes -- the conversations that you and I had before -- the changes in your industry, that's happening all the time. And so how do you have this quality workforce? But in our organization, it's more than just the business. It's about the community. And State Farm has a long history of supporting communities of better educated communities, safer communities. And so this connected. And we stepped back and we thought about, what can we do different than what we have been doing? Because we've long supported education. And we wanted something that was going to be meaningful and impactful. And there is a series of conversations that occurred. There was dialogue with think tanks out of DC in terms of where we could actually make a meaningful difference and where there was a really strong connection to our workforce. And we're growing our presence here in the Atlanta area, and we identified all of the great work that Georgia State is doing in terms of the analytics truly making a difference in the graduation rates. We said, how can we bring that together? We had great teams who took our ideas and brought it to reality, and that's what we're so excited about to be talking about here today. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) And I know it's a big announcement, but I want to take a moment for you to talk about the fact that we know that people grow up to be what they see. If they see doctors and lawyers -- and so for this community to have this campus here that they can see people who are going to college who are trying to better their lives, that's a big, big deal. (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia (Speaker: Michael Tipsord) Yeah. So we're all products of our experiences. And you have a lot of first generation students. And how do you create that first generation so that that second generation can come? How do you show the models? How do people actually see something that they want to aspire to? Where is that sense of hope? Where is that sense of opportunity? And part of this program has the students who are involved showing modeling what that sense of hope and opportunity can be. (IMAGE) Signage for the college is seen, and then more overhead footage of the campus. Next, we see different groups of students walking on campus. Then we return to the presentation on stage, with occasional shots of the audience. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) OK, we've been teasing everybody. What is the big announcement? [LAUGHTER] (Speaker: Michael Tipsord) So what I thought I would do to make sure that I don't mess anything up is, I would take this very traditional press release and read just a paragraph to you so that we're clear. "State Farm is providing $20 million to bring this partnership to life." [APPLAUSE] (Text on screen) LIVE FROM GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY, DECATUR CAMPUS Georgia State and State Farm Announce Partnership (Speaker: Michael Tipsord) I'm not used to those kinds of applauses. [LAUGHTER] I just want to relish just a moment of it. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Enjoy it! Enjoy it! (Speaker: Michael Tipsord) And so let's break that down just to be more specific -- "14.5 million in support for Georgia State's Learning Income and Family Transformation," what you hear as referred to as LIFT. $14.5 million is going to that to bring the university's pioneering analytics and big data capabilities to life and make a difference. The other 5 and 1/2 is going to other institutions -- other organizations that will be part of this, whether it be feeder schools coming into it. But we're looking at this to drive scholarships, but it's beyond just the scholarships. There's also emergency grants. Part of their analytics identify what can make the difference in terms of the students actually making it through is providing that. But there's also an opportunity for our workforce, our agents. Several of our employees and agents are here today to be part of this and give their time to these efforts as well. All designed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Well, you know what? Let's give it up again for that $20 million dollars! [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) That's like PowerBall numbers! [LAUGHTER] (IMAGE) Students in the audience are shown and identified as State Farm Scholars, and then camera returns to presenters on stage. (Text on screen) Alexandra Borsdorf Student, Georgia State Perimeter College Alex Meyers Student, Georgia State Perimeter College TriVante McCowan Student, Georgia State Perimeter College Angela Owens Student, Georgia State Perimeter College Tahlea Telford Student, Georgia State Perimeter College (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Thank you guys for allowing me to be here, and thank you for coming on. We want everybody at home who is watching and everybody in the studio audience to meet some of our pilot State Farm Scholars. And I want to introduce them -- Olivia Dorsey, Alexandra Borsdorf, Alex Myers, TriVante McCowan, Angela Owens, and Tahlea Telford. How about a big round of applause. [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) We want to thank Mr. Tipsord and Dr. Becker for being here. And next, we're going to find out what this whole partnership means. So check out this video, and you can see how you could earn your degree. So let's take a look. Here's the mission statement! [VIDEO PLAYBACK] (IMAGE) Students are seen walking on campus, then we see a student playing a piano. Next, we see university signage, and then a State Farm building. We see students walking through a large cafeteria area and then we see several scenes from a State Farm check-presentation ceremony. Next, we see more scenes of students walking around campus and interacting. Then we see overhead footage of the campus. We then see more footage of students in the cafeteria, and then the screen splits into quadrants with a student scene in each. Then we see close-ups of several students and then we see an outdoor scene as viewed through a window. Finally, we see more students walking and the university sign. (Text on screen) Georgia State University logo/Perimeter College (Female announcer) Empowering new generations of college students is a dream we all share. Not only does higher education transform lives, it's essential to our country's well-being. Unfortunately, that dream lies just beyond the reach of those without the resources to help them prepare. That's why a unique public-private partnership between Georgia State University Decatur and State Farm Insurance is so exciting. The expertise to reach students where they are, combined with the corporate support to do so, will be life changing. Georgia State's data-driven, student-success initiatives have long been successful in reaching a four-year college students before educational obstacles can interfere. Now, State Farm will work with the university to extend this program to its Decatur campus -- a two-year school -- along with scholarships, grants, support for student services, and mentoring opportunities for students. Removing barriers, instilling hope, transforming lives -- working together, we are making a difference for the next generation and for us all. [END PLAYBACK] (IMAGE) Camera returns to the presentation, and shows a new man on stage, Descatur Potier. (Text on screen) Descatur Potier Program Director, Georgia State LIFT [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Welcome back. And I want to introduce Des Potier, a program director for Georgia State LIFT. Give it up for him. [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Which of course means -- Learning Income Family Transformation. First question, Des, tell us about the character of the students here at the Decatur campus and how you're trying to work with them. (Speaker: Descatur Potier) The students on this campus have tremendous grit. They're trying to get what they need, they're going after it, they're asking for help, they're going to tutoring. They're doing the things that you need to do to be successful. And that's what I think about when I think about the students here on the Decatur campus -- those students that want it, and they want it bad. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) And there are people here that are here in the audience and watching live who are saying, OK, I want to be part of the next class. What are you doing to help somebody's going, yeah, that's what I'm talking about! What are you doing to help recruit those people? (Speaker: Descatur Potier) We're going to the high schools. We're doing lunch room visits. We have a website that's up right now. We're constantly trying to let people know -- I say, spread the gospel of Georgia State LIFT out there in DeKalb County. And we're partnering in different schools and guidance counselors -- sorry, high school counselors -- to let them know about these tremendous opportunities on the Decatur campus. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) So what does this program mean for the community and for the students right here in South DeKalb? (Speaker: Descatur Potier) Well, what it means is you have a great school right in your backyard that you need to take advantage of. Number two, it means that you have a tremendous scholarship opportunity that's going to cover two years of your first years for free. And number three, it says that you have all the -- (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Wait, hold on -- for free! (Speaker: Descatur Potier) Yes. [APPLAUSE] I don't know about you, where I'm from, I don't know what gets better than free! But continue! (Speaker: Descatur Potier) F- R- E- E. You're right. Free. (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Free 99! [LAUGHS] (Speaker: Descatur Potier) But the thing that's most important is that this campus is like a family. And with all the data analytics and all the different things, it's the people that make this place great. And all of those individuals are going to be about those students not being a butt in a seat but having their feet on that stage to get their degree. And that's what it's all about. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) OK, we're not going let you off the hook yet. We're going to meet some of our State Farm Scholars. And if you're watching, of course we're going to show you a video so you can learn more about them. And then you never know, they may be here in the building! So let's first talk about our first State Farm Scholar, Olivia Dorsey. Check out this video. [VIDEO PLAYBACK] (Text on screen) Olivia Dorsey State Farm® Scholar (IMAGE) We see Olivia Dorsey in a motorized wheelchair, moving down a campus sidewalk. We see her enter a building. Next, we see her stop outside and speak directly to the camera. Then we see her interact with others in an office. Next, we see her outside again. She moves toward two people seated on park benches and speaks to them, and then she addresses the camera again. (Speaker: Olivia Dorsey) I attend Georgia State University Decatur campus, I major in social work. Through my lifestyle and what I've been through, people say I'm a motivator. I believe in myself. I try not to become a statistic of what I cannot do and turn to what I can do. The accident made me look at the world different. Look at the little things -- doesn't matter; and big things don't matter either. The car accident happened when I was six months old. It just made me paralyzed from my hip below. But besides that, everything's fine. his scholarship opportunity helps you to look for the future and helps you understand who you are as a person. You need to believe in yourself, encourage yourself, motivate yourself. Just believe in who you are. Anything's possible. (Text on screen) Georgia State University logo/Perimeter College State Farm logo [END PLAYBACK] [APPLAUSE] (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia (IMAGE) Camera returns to the presentation. Olivia Dorsey is now on stage. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) A big shout out to everybody that's watching online. They're making a lot of comments. They're really loving your story. (Speaker: Olivia Dorsey) Thank you. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Talk about your experience here. What's it been like? (Text on screen) Olivia Dorsey Student, Georgia State University Perimeter College (Speaker: Olivia Dorsey) Well, my experience has been amazing. I've met so many wonderful people, so many motivators, mentors. I met my -- basically, my supervisors -- all of them have been my counselors, my best friends. They motivate me, they guide me, and encourage me. I just love this campus. I mean -- [LAUGHTER] I mean, I really do! This is my last year. I'll be graduating in May. I am so sad. [APPLAUSE AND LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Olivia Dorsey) I want to thank Dr. Lyons for helping me, also, because I got accepted into a social work program at the downtown campus. So I'll be going to the State that counts [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Olivia, I think you may be one of the first people I've ever heard say they were sad they were graduating. [LAUGHTER] But continued success on your -- (Speaker: Olivia Dorsey) Thank you! (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) --educational pursuits. Des, why did you guys pick Olivia as a State Farm Scholar? (Speaker: Descatur Potier) You know, it was the staff and the faculty ] that said, she's the one. She's that person that you need to give this opportunity to. 3.7 GPA, and this -- [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Descatur Potier) When I think about the Scholars, well, every time I think about her. She's the spark. She's that person that you're a mile away and you hear her voice, you're like, there's Olivia! [LAUGHTER] And so, I mean, she's just that person. And she deserves everything that she's getting and more. (Speaker: Olivia Dorsey) Thank you. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Well, I think everybody is very proud of your accomplishments. And we know the sky is the limit. So once again, let's have another big round of applause for her. [APPLAUSE] Des, you stick around. Everybody that's watching online, next up, we're going to find out about our next State Farm Scholar, Alexandra Borsdorf. So check out the video! [VIDEO PLAYBACK] (Text on screen) Alexandra Borsdorf State Farm® Scholar (IMAGE) We see Alexandra Borsdorf walking on campus, and then she is seated in a classroom, peaking directly to the camera. Next, we see her walking up a stairwell and then entering another room. She returns to the classroom and then begins s peaking to an Asian man. We see her selecting a book from library stacks and then studying. She interacts with other students and then smiles at the camera. (Speaker: Alexandra Borsdorf) I'm from Germany. In Germany, it's very strict. But here, it's very relaxed, especially in the South. People are more laid back and it's very relaxing. I do like this two-year institution just because it's a good place to get your foot in the door to just start and get the feeling for what college is like. I actually found that I like learning, which I kind of lost along the way. The faculty is awesome. They're very passionate about what they do. It's also the students, because it's very international, too-- different cultures. It's just we all come together with the same goal. I learned a lot from the people here how to live life, so now I'm better prepared to move up, and learn more, and to further that knowledge that I already have. I've been very happy here. I found support that I needed. I found friends. So I found a lot more than I started with. (Text on screen) Georgia State University/Perimeter College logo State Farm logo [END PLAYBACK] [APPLAUSE] (IMAGE) Camera returns to presentation. Alexandra Borsdorf is on stage. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) So Alexandra, talk about your experience on the campus. Tell us about it. (Speaker: Alexandra Borsdorf ) My experience on the campus was awesome. I really loved the time here. I found the faculty and the staff as really supportive and was always there when I needed them. I even got a job on campus. So I work in the Learning and Tutoring Center. And it was my supervisor who actually got me to fill out the application for the scholarship and State Farm program. And yeah, just the staff became like family to me, and I really love it. (Text on screen) Alexandra Borsdorf Student, Georgia State Perimeter College (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) OK, so Des, why was she chosen? (Speaker: Descatur Potier) When I think about her, I think about scholarship. Most of the times when we had events, I would ask everybody to make sure to be there. And she would say, as long as it's after class. (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia [LAUGHTER] (Speaker: Descatur Potier) Right now, she has a 3.9 GPA. [APPLAUSE] She's about to graduate, and she's already gotten two offers from Oglethorpe and the University of Georgia as options. So she's this tremendous person, and she just set the tone in terms of academics and just her wanting to be the best that she can be, both in and outside of the classroom. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Congratulations. (Speaker: Alexandra Borsdorf) Thank you. [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) As you can see that the people that are being awarded, these State Farm Scholars, are big deals. And you can be the next big deal, because we got another big deal coming up next. Check out got the video as we hear all about Alex Myers. (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia [VIDEO PLAYBACK] (Text on screen) Alex Myers State Farm® Scholar (IMAGE) We see Georgia State University signage and then Alex Myers walking down a hallway, then sitting with another person at a table. Then he stands in a hallway and speaks to the camera. He speaks to Olivia Dorsey briefly and then addresses the camera again. Next, he walks with his wife on campus, and then flips through family pictures on his phone before smiling at the camera. (Speaker: Alex Myers) Currently, I'm an operations manager for an app out of a venture capitalist firm. I'm a business major here. I was working, and I was doing well; but I wasn't happy, I wasn't living my purpose, and I wasn't proud of it. And so I had to find a way to get my life back on purpose. So when I started back in school, this whole experience taught me, just don't give up on yourself. The most important thing about that is, you don't know what you can do until you do it. So for me, my family is huge motivation for me because they trust me with their lives. Whatever I do, my wife is going to support me. I take it really seriously-- the responsibility of living my life in a fashion where I can look back and know I showed my son how to do things. If that's my responsibility, then I'm going to have to utilize every single tool that I've been equipped with. (Text on screen) Georgia State University/Perimeter College logo State Farm logo [APPLAUSE] (IMAGE) The camera returns to the presentation. Alex Myers is on stage. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) And just for everybody watching at home, you know, Alex and my sock game are just on point today. (IMAGE) Ryan Cameron appears to lift his trouser cuff briefly to expose his sock. [AUDIENCE LAUGHTER] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Just in case you need to know what's going on! Alex, talk about your experience here. (Speaker: Alex Myers) It's honestly been really meaningful and, obviously, impactful, not just on myself. I've been impacted by many of my peers that have opened up to me, which has been the entire population of the Georgia State University system. As many of my instructors that have opened up not only their minds but their hearts, their abilities, and their networks to me -- it's been something to where I've understood after the fact the effect of your thought process and how we're all just a byproduct of your thought process. (Text on screen) Alex Myers Student, Georgia State Perimeter College (Speaker: Alex Myers) You can't change things that you don't think you can change. Things won't move if you don't think you can move them. And to be able to come someplace and learn how to think about your impact on the world and how much the world needs you to be who you need to be -- it's been kind of a big deal. [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) I'm asking these questions because I have to, but I think we all know why these people have been chosen to be Scholars. Just for the sake of indulging everybody -- so Des! (Speaker: Descatur Potier) Yes? Yes? Yes? Yes? [LAUGHTER] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) I have a question for you. (Speaker: Descatur Potier) Yes, sir? Yes, sir? Yes, sir? (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Why did you guys pick Alex? (Speaker: Descatur Potier) The word to describe him is "superstar." This guy is a superstar both in and outside the classroom. Already been admitted -- Super Panther -- going to the Robinson School of Business. Already been -- [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Descatur Potier) 3.7 GPA. I may be off, because we've got finals coming up, so-- [LAUGHTER] (Speaker: Descatur Potier) But the thing I love about this gentleman is just that anything you've asked him to do, whether it meant going to upper bound programs to speak to students, going to area high schools, getting folks to come out to see State Farm here on our campus about job opportunities and internships, he was the ringleader. He was the one, give it to me, I'll run with it and make it happen. He's just that person. And I hate to see him go. I really do. But I know you're going to go on, and you're still going to be part of the Panther family, so we're going to be OK. (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia (Speaker: Alex Myers) Going to be all right. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Congratulations, again. Give it up for Alex. [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) So I'm sure a lot of you that are watching online have questions, and we're going to kind of break it down for you. I'm going to introduce two more people here for you. First we have Kristyn Cook-Turner, Area Vice President for Georgia at State Farm. [APPLAUSE] (IMAGE) Kristyn Cook-Turner joins the others on the stage, followed by Dr. Tim Renick. And Dr. Tim Renick, Vice President and Vice Provost at Georgia State University. [APPLAUSE] (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) So Tim, let's start with you. Tell us more about how Georgia State LIFT-- how does it support students? (Text on screen) Timothy Renick Vice President and Vice Provost, Georgia State University (Speaker: Dr. Tim Renick) Well, higher education is transformative. Your listeners may be interested to know that over your entire career, if you have a college degree, you're going to earn about a million dollars more-- a million dollars more than if you only have a high school diploma. And there are all kinds of other benefits that come. You just heard Alex's story. It has an impact on the next generation. The sons and daughters of college graduates are far more likely to go to college, better health care, longer life expectancy. But the reality is, it's really small, simple things that make the difference between somebody getting a college degree or not. (IMAGE) Students are seen walking on campus and interacting in a variety of different campus scenes. Then, we return to the presenters on stage. (Speaker: Dr. Tim Renick) We found that as little as $200 or $300 can be the difference between a student dropping out or not, or just getting the right information at the right time. How do I fill out that financial aid form? How do I get my application in? Or, once I'm in college, what courses should I take? How should I enroll? And so forth. So what Georgia State has concentrated on and the LIFT program concentrates on, is using data to make sure that students get the right information at the right time so they can progress from high school into college. And then once they get to college, they can have internships, they can have professional experiences, and then move on to the next step -- graduate school and careers. It's a seamless program to take students from the starting point all the way to the finish line. And we're going to try to make it as easy as possible for students to take those little steps. The first step they can take, by the way, is just go onto our website, www.gsu.edu, and you can look for State Farm Scholars. Just type it into the search box, and you'll find out all about the program and how to apply. And if the program fits well for you, great. If it doesn't fit well for you, we want you to apply to Georgia State, and we'll welcome you to our Atlanta campus or to any of our Perimeter campuses. Just go on that s ame website, gsu.edu, and type in admissions. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Great information. Kristyn, can you tell us more about the State Farm Education Assist program? (Text on screen) Kristyn Cook-Turner Area Vice President, State Farm (Speaker: Kristyn Cook-Turner) Absolutely. Even before this partnership, we've actually experienced the impact of the Georgia State mission. Across the country, we have approximately 450 talented Georgia State and Georgia Perimeter alumni working for our company. So that's a pretty fantastic thing. [APPLAUSE] Ryan, there are so many reasons to be excited about the momentum we're building. I know we only have a short time, so I want to pick three. Does that sound good? (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) OK. (Speaker: Kristyn Cook-Turner) OK, so number one, first and foremost, these well-deserving scholars -- how impressive are they? I think they deserve another hand. [APPLAUSE] (Text on screen) Live from Decatur, Georgia (Speaker: Kristyn Cook-Turner) I personally had the opportunity to spend time with them. They came over to our Dunwoody facility over there, and they really represent just inspiration, hope, and the endless possibilities of what this program can be. And so we know that for them and their peers, part of the academic support is about giving the tools that they need. So for example, early on, we started working with Georgia State, we took a tour of the campus, and we recognized that there was a need for computer equipment. So we jumped in right away, supplied some of that equipment so we could start making a difference initially. Beyond funding like that, we believe in the power of relationships and being a good neighbor. So our State Farm associates and our agents – they have long been passionate about helping people in more ways every day. They live, they work, they give back right here in the community. As Michael said, many of them are actually here today. And they're very excited to contribute their time and their energy to mentoring, to networking, and professional development. In fact, just a few weeks ago, we actually participated in a professional development workshop. There were 11 State Farm associates, 125 Georgia State students, and it was a success. So we look for many more opportunities for that. The last part, Ryan, I would say, is we recently began an effort called the Neighborhood of Good, and it's about inspiring people to be a part of their community, to make a positive sustainable impact. So when you think about State Farm Education Assist and Georgia LIFT, it's part of that platform. And simply for us, what we really want to do, simply put, is to turn the power of caring into the act of doing so that we can make a better place for all of us to live and work. So we're very excited. I think, Dr. Renick, we're off to a really good start. (Speaker: Dr. Tim Renick) Absolutely. (Speaker: Kristyn Cook-Turner) And there is so much more to come. So we're so excited. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) Awesome. You know, we have questions from the audience. This first one was submitted for you, Dr. Renick, "What kind of grades do I need to apply for the scholarship, and how many students will be accepted?" (Speaker: Dr. Tim Renick) Great question. Well, the first thing you need to do is graduate from high school. So stick with your classes, get that high school diploma, that's critical. For the LIFT program and for the State Farm Scholars, we're looking for a 2.5 GPA in high school, and we want to make sure that we have as many applicants as possible. We have a minimum of 40 of these scholarships we're going to be giving out every year. And as you already heard, it's a free ride. So we want students to pursue this. And as I said earlier, if you're not a good fit for the State Farm Scholars program, we have all kinds of opportunities at Georgia State for you to apply, and there is a program for you there. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) All right, now we have a question from somebody in the audience here in the room. (Speaker: Unidentified audience member) How can members of the Decatur community support this program and better support these students? (Speaker: Kristyn Cook-Turner) I think that's a great question. First and foremost, I would say there's a lot of information on statefarm.com. So go there, take a look at Neighborhood of Good. It's really fantastic. We're very proud of that. We have a lot of our local agents here -- and employees as well-- that I mentioned are ready to help. So connecting with them in the communities to talk about how we can help together probably is a really good start. (Speaker: Ryan Cameron) All right, and of course, if you have questions, you can submit those on Facebook, and we'll answer those later. But let's give a round of applause for all of our panelists and our Scholars today! [APPLAUSE] What an exciting moment for everyone, especially for you, the high school and college-bound folks who are watching right now online. I want to thank you all for watching, and we hope to see you at upcoming events related to this program. And I'm Ryan Cameron; and I'll talk to you on the radio. Give it up, everybody! (Text on screen) Learn more at www.success.students.gsu.edu [APPLAUSE] [VIDEO PLAYBACK] (IMAGE) A student is seen walking on campus. Next, two students are seen speaking together in a lounge area. We see the university signage and more scenes of students interacting on campus. After that, overhead footage is shown, and then a web page about the State Farm® Scholars. The screen opens to three different windows with scholars in them. Then the camera focuses on, in turn, Alexandra Borsdorf, Olivia Dorsey and Alex Myers. (Female announcer) Thinking about college can be overwhelming. Where do I start? How will I pay for it? What if I have questions? You're not alone. So many have had these same thoughts. But through Georgia State University's LIFT program, they found the help, answers, and resources they needed to start creating the future they wanted. Now, Georgia State Decatur and State Farm want to do the same for you. Get the college start you need and at a two year school that's right sized for you. Go to the Georgia State University LIFT page and consider being a part of the expanded program and applying to be a State Farm Scholar at the Decatur campus. Through scholarship opportunities and more, the help you need is here. (Speaker: Alexandra Borsdorf) You don't have to worry about where the money comes from or how you pay the tuition. Because then, you can focus on actually studying. (Speaker: Olivia Dorsey) It feels good inside to know that people acknowledge me when I'm doing good. (Speaker: Alex Myers) It eases your concern so much more so that you can then focus on the task at hand. (Female announcer) It's finally your time. Don't wait another second to start making the most of it. (Text on screen) State Farm logo Georgia State University/Perimeter College logo Georgia State LIFT A Live Broadcast at Georgia State University, Decatur Campus Thank You For Watching Facebook logo LIVE [END PLAYBACK]