#United States #New York #Times Square #Securus Technologies #ScholarCHIPS

ScholarCHIPS Lights Up Times Square

In an extraordinary initiative, ScholarCHIPS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting college-bound children of incarcerated parents, has launched a captivating 10-second digital billboard campaign in Times Square. Founded by Yasmine Arrington Brooks, a 2023 CNN Hero, ScholarCHIPS aims to empower vulnerable youths and encourage educational attainment. This impactful campaign commenced on September 1 and will run until November 30, 2025, featuring at least four showings an hour for 20 hours a day. The billboard's prominence will culminate during the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The billboard, proudly displayed on the renowned 1500 Broadway Spectacular—an impressive double-sided HD LED screen measuring 56 feet by 29 feet—offers significant visibility in one of the world's busiest public spaces. Attracting approximately 360,000 visitors daily and generating millions of daily impressions, Times Square serves as the ideal platform to amplify ScholarCHIPS' important message about educational opportunities for children affected by incarceration.

The Message Behind the Ad

The advertisement showcases real ScholarCHIPS scholars and alumni in their college caps and gowns. They proudly convey the essence of the campaign: "Every child deserves a future. Education opens the door. Help unlock it for children of incarcerated parents. Donate. Mentor. Get Involved at scholarCHIPSFund.org." This initiative seeks to inspire hope and encourage community involvement.

The partnership between ScholarCHIPS and Neutron Media was made possible through the efforts of Robert Levinson, Media Director at Neutron Media, who recognized the organization's significant social message and mission-driven outreach. By shining a light on the issues faced by justice-impacted families, the campaign aims to rally support from a broad audience, fostering connections and opportunities for those who need them most.

A Partnership for Change

The campaign is generously sponsored by Securus Technologies, a leading company in the corrections industry dedicated to enhancing lives through technology and education. In 2024, the duo launched a scholarship promotion through Securus' in-facility tablets, reaching millions of incarcerated parents and leading to a remarkable 900% increase in scholarship applications. This year, Securus further committed to ScholarCHIPS with an additional $14,000 grant to support students through their academic journeys.

Margita Thompson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Securus Technologies, emphasized the integral role of technology in driving social impact. She stated, "The Times Square campaign shines a vital light on the mission, but it is our work together behind the scenes that truly accelerates ScholarCHIPS' ability to connect more individuals to education opportunities. We are proud to support this effort, helping to unlock potential and change lives."

Wider Implications

This campaign is a significant milestone for ScholarCHIPS, enhancing its visibility and underscoring the urgent educational needs of the children they serve. For the organization, it represents a chance to garner support from new donors, mentors, and volunteers while also providing validation and a sense of community for the youths they assist.

ScholarCHIPS not only addresses the educational barriers faced by these children but also fosters a sense of hope and resilience. Tomia Jackson, a recent Nursing graduate from Tuskegee University, shared her gratitude for the support received throughout her educational journey. “Connecting with other justice-impacted families was invaluable. I appreciated the encouraging words from the ScholarCHIPS team as I navigated college,” she remarked.

About ScholarCHIPS

ScholarCHIPS, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides college scholarships, mentoring, and support services to children of incarcerated parents. Since its inception in 2012, the organization has awarded over $600,000 in scholarships to 123 students, with 54 college graduates to date. To learn more or support ScholarCHIPS' mission, visit scholarchipsfund.org.

About Securus Technologies

Securus Technologies equips corrections agencies with advanced technology solutions aimed at fostering public safety and facility operations. Their innovative offerings help modernize communications and create vital connections for incarcerated individuals, ultimately contributing to community safety and economic stability. For further details, visit Securus Technologies.