NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--- Alloy Media + Marketing's 2007 Alloy College Explorer, powered by Harris Interactive, finds the current college class (students 18-30 years of age) show mounting concern over the future of their country. Today's college class is proving their weight not only in size and purchasing power, but showing significant muscle as they strive to have their voices heard amidst what appears to them, an uncertain political landscape. As the nation heads into an important election year, students state dissatisfaction with the current administration and intend on playing a large role in the movement for change. This year's report finds a massive 94% of respondents expressing plans to head to the polls in 2008 to vote for a specific candidate for President and offers an intriguing peak as to who might win their vote.

According to responses in this year's study, the majority of college students do not hold a positive view on the state of affairs in the country, nor do they give high marks to the current administration. Asked to rate the state of the U.S. today, 58% (net) responded that the current situation is only fair or poor. This educated and reported politically disillusioned group appear confident in their ability to do something about their discontent. When asked which group has the greatest ability to make positive changes in the world, ranking at the top, a resounding 35% expressed that people their age have what it takes to impact positive world change, more so than the U.S. Government, with only 24% reporting, and Fortune 500 Companies at 12% confidence.

With students expressing gaining confidence in their own voice and appearing optimistic about the impact their contributions can make on the world, this year’s class appears to value their right to vote. A whopping 80% of students (ages 18-30) surveyed report being registered to vote, and further, 94% of those registered voters have indicated they plan to vote for a specific candidate for President.

Candidates are well aware of the influence this politically aware bunch will have on

the outcome of the coming presidential election. And, they should also pay attention to the sources students are tapping for information. Today, 70% of students who say they have an issue that will impact their vote in 2008 claim they are getting their information about these issues online, almost equal to information viewed on TV - and more than half (55%) rely on friends, more so than parents' influence.

And what's on student's minds as they contemplate our next leader - the War in Iraq is top concern for students, with two-thirds (66%) reporting that this issue will most influence their vote. The economy plays an equally pivotal role with 54% reporting significance, followed by healthcare issues (48%), social security (47%), the environment (46%) and immigration (43%). Candidates' stance on gay marriages (40%) and homeland security (37%) garner considerable attention as well.

This year's report finds students avidly aware of where their $198 billion dollars in consumer power(1) is being spent and they continue to show commitment towards brands that are improving and contributing to the issues that matter to them. Social consciousness among this group heightens, with 37% (net) of respondents stating they prefer brands that are socially conscientious. That's a slight 4% increase over last year's figures. Significantly, 74% list a company's fair labor practice as most important, followed by eco-friendly or green practices at 66%. Philanthropy holds import as well - companies that donate to a charity or cause rank high, with 63% reporting its significance.

Brands perceived to be most socially responsible include: Ben & Jerry's, creator of the "Lick Global Warming" campaign, Yoplait which produces "Save Lids to Save Lives" in support of breast cancer, and Burt's Bees, a company at the forefront of earth-friendly practices. Newcomers hitting a mark with students include Target and Whole Foods Market.