We do career fairs at local high schools we have tried doing open houses but that has not been real successful in the past perhaps we will try it again and see what happen.....We need to do more public relations and involve ourselves in fee advertisements in the newspaper on what our students are doing, who has graduated, and sending press releases this would give us a new type of exposure that we have not taken the time to do but will be starting this idea which is not new to us just not taken the extra time to do it.
Ginny,
Sometimes programs and projects don't work but are still good ideas. It takes looking at each initiative and determining what went well and where improvement is needed. Lots of publicity opportunities. Often successful alumni can be a great resource for news. Many newspapers have what's happening and calendar sections. They are often happy to list your events, class start dates, and more. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We offer preperatory courses for students that need to refresh or prep for their state exam. We are members of national and state professional associations related to our course offerings.
Lucy,
Community outreach is so important, in our opinion. Offering test prep courses is a great service. It also introduces people to your institution so they can learn about other training you offer and enroll or tell their friends. Perhaps there are ways to offer other courses that are needed by individuals and employers in your area. It takes someone from your staff to visit places of business to find out. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We have lots of different programs. Some I have mentioned in previous forums. To recap: On-site Alumni Programs, Student for a Day, Friends and Families Days, Alumni Gatherings, Workshops to introduce our work, and Informational Talks.
Now, I want to look at developing some products that can be sold to the general public. One's that easily impart some of the knowledge/skills taught in our school.
I also want to develop 1 day courses for both the public and our Alumni that will be skill based.
Laurie,
Sounds great. You might want to take things slowly so that you can build a replicable structure for each project. Also you want to measure measure measure to make adjustments as needed. You cam offer short courses of interest for the public and those who want to gain more knowledge in their career. Courses can be one to a few hours to a weekend - depending on the subject matter. Ask your alumni for their opinion. No need to guess about what to offer! Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Our school has recently put in place a Veteran's program where scholarships are offered to recently discharged veterans. We are also active at the board level in various community organizations.
We are starting to offer career fairs for potential employers to come in and meet with students.
John,
Sounds like a great plan. Great idea re Veteran scholarships. With scholarships CIE likes to see that the offer is bona fide and not a way to discount tuition. That means a policies and procedures manual is needed outlining the guidelines to apply for the scholarships, how the awards are determined, etc. At some point you'll be able to apply for Veteran Admin approval. Since you are involved in community organizations there could be opportunities to give presentations about the careers for which you train. It has to be informational and interesting and not a direct pitch. Also employers can be invited to special events just for employers to show your school and programs. They might have staff to enroll in your school and pay their tuition. You might need to customize a program to meet employer needs. Employers can tell you what a work-ready grad looks like and you could tweak your programs to meet employer needs. If you coordinate with employers to focus on building jobs in the area there can be press opportunities. We definitely believe in community outreach. You have a brand. Now time to show what other training is offered through your brand. Lots of opportunities to get the word out without having to spend a lot. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We do have a committee of students that help in community service projects throughout the city and employees participate as well. We could expand more on the career days in the high schools and secondary school programs.
Gracie,
Sounds like you are doing a great job. Imagine if you had alumni working on the project as well. Alumni can provide extra hands and talent and increase enrollment, retention, and placement. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
The college provides student projects and services to the community, from free repair services to fabrication of necessisary items. We ar involved in humanitarian efforts ie. blood food and clothing drives, relief donations for tragedy victims etc. We interact with the secondary schools in our local area by taking in internships, judging competitions and advisory board involvement. We also have our on internships with local companies.
Paul,
Great that your institution is able to offer so many services to the community. Be sure to publicize your contributions and also have school catalogs available at all times! Your humanitarian efforts help your greater community, which is a great value to impart to students. Involvement with secondary schools is a great way to develop relationships with the school and guidance counselors. The internships sound great. Be sure they are formalized and there are a lot of methods to measure results. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
Our campus has implemented free GED tutoring and testing for those without a high school diploma-no commitment to attend our college is required.
We host a local Toastmasters club weekly, provide rooms for community groups such as chambers of commerce and business clubs, we are implementing a local dart association program because one of our students is a local president.
Some things that come to mind from this course are researching the feasibility of even more ways to invite various constituents on to the campus, blood drives, toys for tots, support wounded warriors and more.
Randy,
Wow. You are doing so much to create newsworthy stories about your institution. I hope everyone is reading this! What you are doing is creating traffic to your school. Everyone who comes through, regardless of the reason, is learning that your institution is a training source for their friends, family, and work colleagues. Be sure that catalogs and brochures are around and students are wearing uniforms or shirts with the school name and website. I'm sure you have "hosts" to greet visitors and let them know the depth and breadth of your institution offerings. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
