Eva Longoria Asks You to Vote for a Brighter Future

NEW YORK — June 20, 2011 — Today, activist, actor, author and philanthropist Eva Longoria asked people around the world to celebrate the amazing work of student humanitarians by voting for the Imagine Cup 2011 People’s Choice Award at http://www.imaginecup.com/pca. Imagine Cup by Microsoft Corp. is the world’s premier student technology competition, challenging students from around the globe to use technology to tackle social issues, such as helping with disaster recovery, improving access to clean water, and expanding rural education and health care.

In an online video, Longoria spoke about how students can make a difference by using technology to address the world’s toughest problems, and she encouraged people to vote for the People’s Choice Award, in which the public chooses their favorite projects from this year’s Imagine Cup. Voting begins today and runs through July 12.

Longoria has a history of activism as a vocal supporter of a number of humanitarian organizations. The actress was inspired to get involved with Imagine Cup because many of the students’ projects align with causes that the actress holds dear.

“It’s so important for our youth to be involved and be aware of what’s happening in the world,” Longoria said. “What’s happening in Africa affects you as an American. What’s happening in China affects you as a German. One way students can make a difference is by using the technology that connects us all. Youth can have a tremendous impact by using technology to solve some of the world’s toughest problems. I’m inspired by these remarkable students and look forward to meeting them and learning more about their projects at the Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals in New York City this July.”

In July, more than 400 of the brightest young minds from 70 countries will travel to New York to showcase their innovative ideas for using technology to solve global humanitarian issues, often inspired by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The People’s Choice Award, an optional opportunity for the Imagine Cup global finalists, is the only prize awarded by the public. The winning team will be announced on Wednesday, July 13, and will receive a $10,000 (U.S.) prize.

The Imagine Cup People’s Choice Award official competition rules are available at http://imaginecup.com/worldwide-finals/peoples-choice-award/peoples-choice-award-rules.

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