The power of technology in supporting education proves itself once again in a challenge put on by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The competition is called the College Knowledge Challenge and the award is a whopping $2.5 million worth of prizes.
So what is this fantastic contest all about? Facebook and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are supporting education by challenging their contestants to design and develop a Facebook app that will help low-income and first generation high school graduates in getting to college. This contest is about making use of a personal, and commonly used top social networking site to help smooth the college admissions and financial aid process.
I think this is an excellent idea for helping students get to college. The bridge from high school to college is not a steady one for every graduate. The Facebook apps created will provide students resources so that they can have the opportunity to gain an education, take control of their future, and follow their dreams.
Resources:
http://edudemic.com/2012/09/facebook-edtech-hackathon/
