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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact
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Raleigh
Floyd
Allstate Insurance Company
847-402-5600
Rflad@allstate.com
Beaman Incorporated
Dell Jackson
312-751-9689
Djackson@beamaninc.com
(BPRW)
Allstate/UNCF Quotes for Education Wants to Raise $100,000
for African-American College Students Under Financial Stress
Fundraising
initiative to benefit UNCF, contribute to college scholarships this
upcoming fall semester
(BLACK PR WIRE)Northbrook, Ill., August 17, 2010 According to
a recent study, two-thirds of African-Americans dropping out of college
cite finances as the reason for the decision. To address this trend
and continue the companys history of investment in initiatives
that strengthen communities, Allstate Insurance Company (NYSE: ALL)
today announced the launch of the second annual Quotes for Education
program.
In
partnership with UNCF the United Negro College Fund
the program seeks to raise $100,000 in scholarships for African-American
college students.
As
part of the campaign, Allstate will donate $5 to UNCF for each auto
insurance quote that is completed between August 15 and September
30, 2010. Quotes may be obtained online at Allstate.com/quotesforeducation
or through a participating Allstate Agent.
The
Allstate family recognizes the importance of education and we realize
that now, more than ever, it is important to support organizations
that champion the pursuit of higher learning and academic success,
says Anise Wiley-Little, Allstate chief diversity officer. In
addition to supporting a trusted community partner like UNCF, were
also pleased that this program engages families and communities as
part of the solution. By completing an auto insurance quote, drivers
join with us in helping to make college education a reality for hard-working
students.
Persistent
funding deficits, a struggling economy, and significant tuition increases
have created a perfect storm for many students, and African-American
students are particularly vulnerable. Consider these facts:
African-American students who did not enroll in college are
likely to report that the need to work was important in their decision.
Almost half of African-American students stated that the need to work
was extremely or very important, compared
with their peers (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 2010)
About 46 percent of all African-American undergraduate students
receive federal Pell Grant awards, accounting for approximately one-quarter
of all recipients (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 2010)
Twenty years ago, the maximum value of the Pell Grant covered
52 percent of a student's cost of attendance; in 2006, the maximum
grant covered about 32 percent of the cost of attendance (College
Board, 2007)
Only 41 percent of black students complete a bachelor's degree
within six years (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education,
2008)
About 27 percent of all black students graduated with at least
$30,500 in student loan debt, while the percentage range of students
of other races who graduated with a comparable debt level is 9 percent
to 16 percent (College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, 2010)
Quotes
for Education is another example of Allstates longstanding commitment
to education and support of the African-American community. Supporting
Quotes for Education is as simple as Click, Quote and Support:
Click (or Call): Customers will help Allstate reach its $100,000 UNCF
fundraising goal by obtaining an auto insurance quote. Participants
can take part:
o Online visit Allstate.com/quotesforeducation
o Mobile text ALLSTATE to 89074
o Phone call Allstate at 1-866-998-2188
Quote: Receive an auto insurance quote from Allstate between August
15 and September 30, 2010.
Support: For each auto insurance quote provided during the Quotes
for Education campaign, Allstate will donate $5 to the UNCF up to
$100,000.
We
are grateful for Allstates commitment to education, said
Michael Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. The young people
whose college studies will be supported by Allstates Quotes
for Education program are students today, but tomorrow they are the
teachers, doctors, scientists, public servantsand insurance
agentswho will lead our communities and our country.
About
Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly
held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're
In Good Hands With Allstate" slogan, Allstate is reinventing
protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households
insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers
access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement)
and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and
Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada,
as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate.
About UNCF
UNCF--the United Negro College Fund--is the nation's largest and most
effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community
and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development
through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member
colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority
education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges
and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African
American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs,
including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer
enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today,
UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities
across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership
in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible
thing to waste." Learn more at www.UNCF.org.
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