Four College of Communications seniors are representing Penn State as it competes against eight other schools from across the nation in the Ford College Ambassador Program.
The Penn State group, Team #WeAreFord, includes three advertising/public relations majors (Rachael David, Miranda Kulp and Jess Savarese) and one telecommunications major (Patrick Flaharty). While completing three challenges focused on testing their marketing savvy, the group hopes to attract support and votes in the online competition.
“This is Penn State’s second year competing in the Ford Challenge,” said Savarese. “Our #WeAreFord team is thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Penn State and engage our entire student body on the amazing opportunities that are available through the challenge and working with Ford, and really getting everyone excited to take part and support our team as we go through each of the three challenges.”
The group is currently in the midst of completing the first challenge, which is a 15-second Instagram video highlighting a day in the life of a Penn State student with the use of a Ford vehicle. Supporters may vote for Penn State's video once per day through Nov. 20.
The second challenge, titled “Drive for a Difference,” paired the team with Zipcar to plan and execute an on-campus event for charity. On Nov. 1, the group held a test-driving event in downtown State College. The team tallied 111 test drives, raising the maximum amount of $2,000, donated by Ford, to THON.
The final challenge focuses on engaging an audience via social media in a “Social Scavenger Search.” Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, the group shares photos of their Ford Zipcars around campus with their followers. Ford tallies the social media likes and shares, as well as the Snapchat views and screenshots, to determine a winner. Supporters may follow along with #WeAreFord.
Winners of the Ford College Ambassador Program are awarded $500 and will have the opportunity for an internship and interview for a full-time job with Ford Motor Company.