Aspiring Young Musician Wins $25,000 for College Tuition from Upromise

Caleb Shreve of Lone Oak, TX Selected by America as Winner of Upromise Tuition Tales Online Video Contest

Today, Upromise Inc. announced Caleb Shreve of Lone Oak, Texas and his family as the $25,000 winner in its Tuition Tales online video contest. As part of its mission to help make higher education more attainable for families, Upromise created Tuition Tales to give one of its members the opportunity to make their college dreams come true. Upromise asked Americans to share their tuition tale – why they or someone they know deserves money for college – for a chance to win. The Shreve family submitted Caleb’s Upromise Song, in which the talented high school junior wrote and performed his own original song. As he strums on his guitar, Caleb explains in perfect pitch why he needs help with college tuition funding. Following two weeks of nationwide online voting, Caleb’s Upromise Song garnered 12,545 votes of the more than 53,000 total votes cast.

The oldest of five children, Caleb is currently a student at Lone Oak High School where he was voted by his peers as the “Most Talented Musician.” Before even hearing about Tuition Tales, Caleb came up with the guitar chords for the song. When his mom told him about the contest to win money for college, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to write the lyrics and finish the song. After high school graduation, Caleb hopes to put the $25,000 from Upromise towards a degree in music at the University of North Texas.

“Caleb truly embodies the spirit of this contest with his creative song bringing to life his family’s need for help paying for college,” says David Rochon, president, Upromise. “There are numerous families across the country like the Shreves who are struggling to save for college, and Tuition Tales is one of many ways Upromise is helping our members achieve their higher education goals.”

“Winning this money from Upromise is such an amazing gift for me and my family,” said Caleb Shreve. “Before winning, my parents and I weren’t sure what my options would be at graduation time, but now with the $25,000, I’ll definitely have the chance to go to my dream school.”

Upromise received more than 250 Tuition Tales video entries. Of those submissions a panel of judges narrowed them down to 10 finalists based on their creativity, ability to move voters and how clearly and effectively they communicated the need for money for college. Voting was then opened online at Upromise.com and visitors were able to vote for their favorite video. The winner will receive $25,000 for college and all 10 finalists will receive a $500 Bed Bath & Beyond® Gift Card.

About Upromise

Launched in April 2001, today Upromise is the largest private source of college funding contributions in America, with more than 8.5 million members and $425 million in member rewards. Membership is free and can help families save money for college while making everyday purchases of products and services at more than 21,000 grocery and drug stores, 14,000 gas stations, 8,000 restaurants, as well as thousands of retail stores, and more than 575 online shopping sites. Upromise partners include Citi®, ExxonMobil Corporation, Bed Bath & Beyond®, McDonald’s®, JCPenney.com, LandsEnd.com, Sears.com, and hundreds of others. Upromise also makes it easy for families to start their own college savings strategy through tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans offered through Upromise Investments, Inc. or by using Upromise contributions to help pay down eligible student loans. Upromise is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, the nation’s leading provider of saving-and-paying-for-college programs. Upromise is headquartered in Newton, Mass., and has more than 350 employees. For additional information visit www.Upromise.com.

Contacts

Upromise, Inc.
Debby Hohler, 617-454-6741
or
Mullen for Upromise
Kalley Thomas, 978-468-8934