Michelle Obama has an unparalleled hold on the culture and is wielding it for good, kickstarting a new Instagram challenge designed to get schools involved in student voter drives.
Obama shared a glamorous 1982 prom photo of herself, asking others to post their own prom photos with #PromChallenge to spotlight what efforts schools are making to register students to vote.
"Throwing it back to my 1982 prom night and this pink satin, polka-dotted dress. If you're a student or teacher, join the #PromChallenge with @WhenWeAllVote and @MTV and tell us what your school is doing to register students to vote — you could get a free prom for your school! Learn more at prom.mtv.com. You can also help me spread the word by posting your prom photo with #PromChallenge," the former first lady and Grammy winner wrote.
According to CBS News, When We All Vote and MTV partnered to create the #PromChallenge with the goal of getting more students registered to vote.
"Prom Challenge is a new program created in partnership between When We All Vote and MTV’s +1thevote campaign, with support from Rent the Runway and other brands, to celebrate and recognize 20 high schools across the country integrating voter registration into their schools in the most creative and impactful ways. The winners of the competition will receive up to $5,000 to make their school’s prom dreams come true," the project's website says.
Other stars have jumped in on the effort, sharing their own high school prom photos on Instagram and Twitter.
18 yr old me in ‘90 ready for prom in this @armani dress, bangles & shoes. Prom was fun, but my 1st time voting was life changing. If you're a student or teacher, join @WhenWeAllVote & @MTV’s #PromChallenge & u could win a free prom for your school!
https://t.co/DalCN0ha9K
pic.twitter.com/YoOAYDBFJO— Tracee Ellis Ross (@TraceeEllisRoss) February 18, 2020
Others began sharing their prom photos to get in on the fun, too.
Last month, Obama announced that she was starting a video series on Instagram that will follow four college freshmen as they navigate their first year in school.
“As a first-generation college student myself, I know how intimidating it can be to take that leap and pursue your educational dreams," Obama told Attn. "That’s why I’m so proud of these students. By sharing their stories, they’re helping others see that the ups and downs of the first year of college are something everyone goes through—and they’re creating a supportive community for others facing similar challenges.”
