Michelin is offering teen drivers the chance to win a free ride to college — just by checking their car’s tire pressure or tread depth and sharing it on social media.

Teens face a lot of pressure every day, and the pressure of going to college is high on the list ― safe tire pressure and tread depth is not.

So in the new phase of its Beyond the Driving Test program, Michelin will give teen drivers and their parents a #PennyForAFreeRide, teaching them about a serious safety threat and encouraging them to act.

Car crashes remain the No. 1 killer of teens in America, according to analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 738 tire-related deaths occur each year. What’s more, according to 2016 federal data, 457 distracted cell phone deaths occur annually. Of the 2.2 million accidents each year involving teen drivers, nearly 300,000 are related to tire issues like worn treads and over- or under-inflated tires, according to an analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“The statistics are startling — we need to do everything we can to keep our teen drivers safe,” said Alexis Garcin, chairman and president of Michelin North America, Inc. “At Michelin, we know that tires need pressure, not teens. Our goal is to encourage teens to take life-saving action that helps them secure a safe future.”

The cost of college continues to rise. Increased tuition prices force many teens to make education choices based on debt alone. In the last 20 years, college tuition fees at public universities have increased 221%.

During the next year, Michelin’s goal is to help teen drivers with both ― ensuring teens and their families take the necessary actions to stay safe on the road and give one lucky teen a free ride to college.

How to enter
For the chance to win, teen drivers should:

Take a photo or video of themselves doing the “Penny Tread Test” or checking their tire pressure.

Post the image on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, mentioning @MichelinUSA and using #PennyForAFreeRide or upload an entry on our website.

As an incentive, every time someone submits a #PennyForAFreeRide post on social media, Michelin will contribute a penny to a “pocket change” fund, which will provide the grand prize winner some extra cash for school … because we all could use a little “fun money.”

The #PennyForAFreeRide campaign was developed to help young drivers pursue their dreams and remind them to practice safe driving habits.

Beyond the Driving Test, first introduced in 2014 in partnership with Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), set a goal of gaining commitments from all 50 U.S. states to include consistent information about tire safety in new-driver training materials. That milestone was reached in 2017, more than two years ahead of plan. Today, 38 states include life-saving tire-safety information in their training materials for new drivers.

In 2018, Michelin partnered with Vans to create limited-edition Michelin-inspired shoes to challenge teens to prove their #StreetTread. Michelin is proud of that work, but there is still more work to be done to drive awareness about this important topic.

To learn more about critical tire safety checks and the #PennyForAFreeRide contest, visit https://beyondthedrivingtest.com/pennyforafreeride.

About Michelin North America
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The Company has earned a long-standing reputation for building innovative premium tires. In addition to tires, the Company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs about 22,700 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants. Forbes magazine has ranked Michelin No. 1 on its annual survey of “Best Large Employers in America” for 2018. Learn more about purpose-driven careers with a purpose-driven company at jobs.michelinman.com.

About Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world’s leading mobility organizations. Founded in 1904, with headquarters in Paris and Geneva, the FIA is a non-profit organization. It brings together 246 Mobility and Sport Clubs from 145 countries on five continents. Its Member Clubs represent over 80 million road users and their families. The FIA promotes safe, sustainable and accessible mobility for all road users around the world.

Sources
1. https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/
2. https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/tires
3. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812517
4. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811617
5. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2017-09-20/see-20-years-of-tuition-growth-at-national-universities

Related Links
http://www.MichelinMedia.com

People and community define the college experience. Everyone agrees on this, yet college search seems to overlook these important variables – the process is dominated by rankings, test scores, and acceptance rates.

Before CampusReel, it was impossible to understand these less tangible qualities, such as community, vibe and campus atmosphere, without visiting a campus in person. Even if you have the time and money to take a college tour, this too is a marketing opportunity for colleges to put forth their own narratives.

By hosting a growing library of 17,000 student-generated videos from more than 350 colleges and universities, CampusReel is reimagining how students and their families search and apply to schools. CampusReel enables any applicant to deeply experience a college campus and its community from the comfort of their living room. Want to check out gameday at University of Florida, a camping trip at the University of Wyoming, or sit in on a lecture at UCLA? CampusReel has all that content and more. While other platforms rely mostly on data and statistics to describe a college, CampusReel turns current students into storytellers and empowers them to tell their school’s story by crowdsourcing authentic video content.

CampusReel provides its users with what they need and value most – honest and authentic insight into daily life on hundreds of college campuses. The platform also capitalizes on the rapidly growing trend of video consumption. By 2020, 80% of internet consumption is expected to be video – that ratio is likely even steeper for Gen Z college searchers who have grown up with video based sites like YouTube. The company is clearly filling a void in the college search and selection marketplace.

Although CampusReel’s content is student-created, all videos are approved before they are published live on the platform. The company states, “We are a resource for college searchers. CampusReel is not a free-for-all video uploading site. That being said, we encourage any student to upload content that wants to convey important information about their school.”

In addition to serving videos on its own site, CampusReel is also developing a growing number of partner sites who use its API to provide their users with video content.

This article is the third in a three-part series sponsored by Alkermes, focused on supporting young adult students and their community as they navigate mental health concerns that can begin in college. Check out parts 1 & 2 in this series for the full picture of potential ways to access support throughout the transition to college and recognize symptoms of mental illness.

Countless challenges accompany the transition to college – new schedules, growing responsibilities and endless pressure can be overwhelming to a young adult on their own for the first time. In such a significant period of change, issues are expected.¹ But what if the challenges become unmanageable or the underlying causes are more than typical transition-to-college stressors? What if the symptoms instead point to the onset of a serious mental illness?

College-age students are frequently exposed to circumstances that place them at risk for serious mental illnesses.² These mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, often appear in a young adult’s early 20s.^1,3 By the age of 25, 75% of those who will have a mental health disorder in their life have experienced their first onset.⁴

Early detection of a mental illness may help reduce the disease’s severity, the persistence of the initial illness and the on-set of any subsequent illnesses⁵. The sooner one can access support, the more quickly they can develop a care plan and begin treatment. Accessing support as early in a diagnosis as possible is important.¹

Managing a mental health diagnosis is a multi-layered and complex process. While each person’s treatment and support plan is different, there are common steps, opportunities and challenges along the way. Here are a few things you may want to consider:

• Find healthcare providers you trust. In any therapeutic relationship, it’s important to build trust through good rapport, shared decision making and mutual respect. Finding a team of healthcare professionals who you trust and who understand your unique situation and can help navigate the twists and turns of the diagnosis and treatment journey is vital.^6,7

• Remember, you are not alone. There is an entire community of professionals, advocates and individuals living with mental illness who want to help. There are many places to get started—consider looking into resources from Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA), among others. Take advantage of these support systems!⁸

• Do what is most helpful to you. Living with a mental illness is not a one-size-fits-all experience. What works for one person or family might not work for another. Consider support groups, community resources, advocacy events and activities and more, and then choose those things that make you comfortable and help you the most.^7,9

• Explore treatment options. Work with your healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment options for your health, condition and lifestyle. There are many different types of treatments for mental illness, depending on the needs of the individual. Speak with your healthcare provider to better understand all available options and remember, each person is unique and may have an individualized care plan.^6,8,9

• Continue to seek medical care (even if things feel like they’re improving). Work with your doctor and care team to find what is an appropriate care plan for you and stick with it.^6,7

• Keep going. Early identification and appropriate assessments may help to provide students with the services they need and may help students in adjusting to student life.^1,10

By accessing support as soon as possible and taking advantage of all available resources, you can work toward your goals or help someone you care about work toward theirs.

If you are concerned, consider reaching out to a trusted medical professional in your area and/or access community resources, such as mental illness screeners, treatment locators and other educational materials, from organization like The Jed Foundation, Mental Health America (MHA) or the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI).

Click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2 of this series which provide more information on the challenges associated with transitioning to college, how that transition may impact a student’s mental health or signs that might indicate it’s time to seek support.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

References

¹ Pedrelli P, Nyer M, Yeung A, Zulauf C, Wilens T. College Students: Mental Health Problems and Treatment Considerations. Acad Psychiatry. 2015;39(5):503–511. doi:10.1007/s40596-014-0205-9

² Blanco C, Okuda M, Wright C, Hasin DS, Grant BF, Liu SM, Olfson M. Mental health of college students and their non-college-attending peers: results from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008 Dec;65(12):1429-37. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.65.12.1429.

³ Gogtay N, Vyas NS, Testa R, Wood SJ, Pantelis C. Age of onset of schizophrenia: perspectives from structural neuroimaging studies. Schizophr Bull. 2011;37(3):504–513. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbr030

⁴ Kessler RC, Amminger GP, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Lee S, Ustün TB. Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2007;20(4):359–364. doi:10.1097/YCO.0b013e32816ebc8c

⁵ De Girolamo, G., Dagani, J., Purcell, R., Cocchi, A., & McGorry, P. (2012). Age of onset of mental disorders and use of mental health services: Needs, opportunities and obstacles. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 21(1), 47-57. doi:10.1017/S2045796011000746

⁶ Nami.org. (2019). Finding a Mental Health Professional. [online] Available at: https://www.nami.org/find-support/living-with-a-mental-health-condition/finding-a-mental-health-professional.

⁷ Stevens GL, Dawson G, Zummo J. Clinical benefits and impact of early use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics for schizophrenia. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2016;10(5):365–377. doi:10.1111/eip.12278

⁸ Nami.org. (2019). Mental Health Treatments. [online] Available at: https://www.nami.org/learn-more/treatment.

⁹ Mhanational.org. (2019). Mental Health Treatments. [online] Available at: https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-treatments.

¹⁰ Hunt J, Eisenberg D, Kilbourne A. Consequences of Receipt of a Psychiatric Diagnosis for Completion of College. Psychiatric Services. 2010;61(4). doi:10.1176/appi.ps.61.4.399

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2019 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved. UNB-002776

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, is currently accepting applications for its 2020 Excellence in Innovation Award. The deadline for interested institutions to apply for the $100,000 award is December 11, 2019.

Awarded each biennium, the Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes one college or university for achievement in finding powerful substantive solutions to improve the lives of others and create systematic large-scale change. The recipient institution will receive $100,000 in tangible recognition of its best practice in response to the changes and challenges facing higher education in the 21st century.

“We have been gratified by the interest we’ve received from a diversity of institutions of higher learning in our innovation award competitions. Created to lift up and affirm the innovations for which colleges and universities are known — whether on their campuses, in their communities or beyond — the award serves to extend Phi Kappa Phi’s mission to recognize and advance excellence,” said Dr. Mary Todd, the Society’s executive director.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi has awarded fellowships and grants to members and students on its chapter campuses. Currently, nearly $1 million is awarded annually through programs that last year recognized over 355 individuals. The Excellence in Innovation Award, first awarded in 2016 to Tulane University, is the Society’s only award for institutions.

The application period for colleges and universities to apply for the Excellence in Innovation Award is open until December 11, 2019. For more information including award criteria, eligibility, and timeline details, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Innovation.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Alyssa Perez
Communications Director
aperez@phikappaphi.org
(225) 923-7777

This article is the second in a three-part series sponsored by Alkermes, focused on supporting young adult students and their community as they navigate the transition to college. Mental health is a key part of that transition, and support is available.

Watch for part 3 of this series coming later this semester and refer back to part 1 for the complete series!

Transitioning to college isn’t always easy and can be full of challenges that may be overwhelming for students and their loved ones. With so many changes, newfound freedom and unexpected pressure, this season can have a profound impact on a student’s mental health and wellness.¹ According to the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health International College Student Initiative—a study that surveyed students from 19 colleges in eight countries—approximately 35% of college freshmen report symptoms consistent with a diagnosable mental health disorder. ²

These symptoms could present while away at school or during school breaks. New schedules and routines have been developed, new mindsets and ideas explored. Family members might feel like they don’t even recognize each other in the ways they did before the semester began. That’s ok, but it can bring up a variety of emotions and challenges to navigate. At a time when things can feel unsteady, it’s important to keep an eye on mental health and wellness.¹

There are many symptoms to look for that could indicate emerging mental health challenges. These may include feelings of sadness or fear, bouts of depression, loss of appetite, sudden risk-tasking behavior, seeing or believing things that may not be real, excessive substance use, mood swings, impulsive behavior, difficulty concentrating or a drop in academic performance.^3,4 Though many of these behaviors can be a normal part of a young person’s development into adulthood, a combination of unexpected or unusual behaviors could be warning signs of a more serious mental health issue or illness, such as schizophrenia.⁵

If one or several of these symptoms is present, it’s important to take note and seek support as early as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Take stock of what’s happening. Track the most concerning behaviors (those listed above or others). This will help when seeking additional resources or support from a healthcare professional (a primary care physician, psychiatrist, etc.) in the future. To assist in tracking what you’re feeling, consider accessing local resources or taking an online screening tool to better understand your symptoms.^1,6

• Keep talking. Ask questions and set aside time to talk about how everyone is feeling – student, parents, siblings, friends and more. Consider asking other loved ones if they’ve noticed any concerning behavioral changes.^6,7

• Speak to a healthcare professional. Set up an appointment during school breaks and make sure that you discuss mental health, the college transition and any behavioral changes you might notice. ⁶

• Act as quickly as you can. When dealing with a young adult’s mental health, timing matters. In fact, some studies point to early identification and intervention as being critical to disease management and improved outcomes.^1,3 Early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can assist in illness management and long-term outcomes for individuals living with a serious mental illness.^8,9

The transition to college will likely be filled with challenges as students navigate stressful academic and social environments – these are expected. But if you begin noticing behaviors that are concerning, it’s never too soon to seek help.

If you are noticing differences in behavior and are concerned, consider reaching out to a trusted healthcare professional in your area or take advantage of mental health resources, such as  screeners, treatment locators and other educational resources, from organizations like Mental Health America (MHA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

In the final piece of our 3-part series, we’ll discuss the importance of early intervention and support when a mental health diagnosis has been received. If you missed part 1, CLICK HERE for more information on some challenges associated with transitioning to college and how that transition may impact a student’s mental health.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

References

¹ Pedrelli P, Nyer M, Yeung A, Zulauf C, Wilens T. College Students: Mental Health Problems and Treatment Considerations. Acad Psychiatry. 2015;39(5):503–511. doi:10.1007/s40596-014-0205-9

² Auerbach, R. (2018). WHO World Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project: Prevalence and Distribution of Mental Disorders.

³ Wyatt T, Oswalt S, Ochoa Y. Mental Health and Academic Performance of First-Year College Students. International Journal of Higher Education. 2017. doi:10.5430/ijhe.v6n3p178

⁴ Nami.org (2016), College and Your Mental Health. Starting the Conversation, [online] p.8. Available at: https://nami.org/collegeguide/download.

⁵ Gordon, J., Meltzer, H. and Tye, K. (2017). Advice on the Early Warning Signs of Schizophrenia. Brain & Behavior. [online] Available at: https://www.bbrfoundation.org/sites/default/files/images/brain-and-behavior-magazine-march-2017.pdf.

⁶ Nami.org. (2019). Depression. [online] Available at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Support.

⁷ Nami.org. (2019). Maintaining a Healthy Relationship. [online] Available at: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Maintaining-a-Healthy-Relationship.

⁸ Mental Illness Policy Org. (2019). Schizophrenia Fact Sheet – Mental Illness Policy Org. [online] Available at: https://mentalillnesspolicy.org/medical/schizophrenia.html.

⁹ Mhanational.org. (2019). Position Statement 41: Early Identification of Mental Health Issues in Young People | Mental Health America. [online] Available at: https://www.mhanational.org/issues/position-statement-41-early-identification-mental-health-issues-young-people#_edn7 [Accessed 20 Sep. 2019].

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2019 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved. UNB-002774