Every year, since 1790, Americans everywhere have had an impact in their state and community by taking part in the United States Census. With the 2010 Census just around the corner, just a couple weeks from now, your part can make a difference.

Since the beginning of the Census, people have made a difference in their community by filling out the 10 question questionnaire and sending it back (for free) to the Census Bureau. It only takes 10 minutes, according to the Census Bureau website.

The 2010 Census will be shelling out around $400 billion to help various communities with hospitals, job training, senior centers, public works projects, schools and much more. Every person counted will be worth around $1300 per their community. Congressional districts also are affected by the Census and if you are not counted, it is hard to get representation.

This year marks a turn for the Census Bureau who has been asking colleges to take an active part in the Census. Previous years have come and gone and few students have participated. According to the Census campus website, “Historically, the highly mobile college student population living on and off campus has been hard to count – in part, because many people believe that college students are counted on their parents' questionnaires. However, students living away from home will receive their own questionnaires, so to prevent students from being counted twice (or not at all!) in the census, they and their parents need to know this.”

It’s important to note that no one will check to see if you have a criminal background or if you are a legal resident. Students involved in student government and faculty will be reminding students this year to take part. It’s up to us. Stand up and be counted!