Teens Embark on Media Campaigns to Address the Top Killer Of Youths -- Automobile Accidents

BLOOMINGTON, Ill., Feb. 14, 2005 -- Teenagers from across the country are helping their peers become safer drivers through Project Ignition, a creative service-learning program. Through Project Ignition, high school classes create peer-focused media campaigns addressing teen driving habits and choices. Participants use a wide-range of media to deliver their messages, including music, video and art. Last year's campaigns addressed such issues as seatbelt usage, defensive driving, and drinking and driving.

Today, following a successful first year, State Farm(R) and the National Youth Leadership Council(TM) launch Project Ignition II for the 2005-2006 school year.

Interested classes should review all of the information at the Project Ignition website, http://www.sfprojectignition.com/ , develop a plan, and fill out the online application by April 1, 2005. Submissions will be reviewed for their messages and service-learning objectives, and each of the top 25 schools will be awarded a $2,000 grant from State Farm to implement its project. Completed projects will be judged on four main criteria: impact, content, originality, and the quality of its service-learning practice. Up to 10 high- scoring projects will be showcased at the 2006 National Service-Learning Conference, next spring in Philadelphia. There, one project will be selected Best in Show, earning the school a $10,000 grant from State Farm and will be encouraged to continue their Project Ignition program.

For more information regarding Project Ignition II, to access the online application, or to see the winners from the first Project Ignition, visit http://www.sfprojectignition.com/ .

About NYLC: NYLC has been at the center of service-leaning program and policy development since 1983. It convenes the annual National Service- Learning Conference, offers adult and youth trainings, and develops service- learning resources. For more information, visit http://www.nylc.org/ .

About Service-Learning: Service-learning is a teaching method that enriches learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and communities. It integrates the service with established learning objectives, emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, and tackles real issues such as hunger, ecological concerns and diversity.