marketing
In identifying the ideal student this would allow a school to target marketing activitiy. What are some of you doing to capitalize on the HS market?
Hi Mark
We hear that the high school market is back. Not sure why. There are many market tiers such as the down sized, change of career folks, people who are retired and want to or have to work, etc. But the high school market is certainly getting a lot of attention. Could be because people are realizing that going to college doesn't work for everyone. If you go into the high school market suggest you go well armed with what appeals to teenagers. You need lots of action, activity, and involvement. Good luck, Susan
We are just starting this. We are going to the Vocational/Technical High Schools which each county has. We are looking at their allied health curriculum and determining what credits can be accepted as transfer credit into our programs. This seems to be a good way to get to the students and for them to realize a tangilbe value to their HS course work.
Hi Richard
Sounds like a great idea. Are you saying that the courses taught at the vocational high schools would be the same as those you offer in allied health? Sounds great to accept transfer credit if the course objectives are the same. Might be other programs to consider for this type of alliance. Thanks for the idea. Susan
We have achieved some success with developing 'articulation agreements' with area high schools which allow their graduates to begin school with us as advanced standing students based on their high school courses in voc. ed. areas. This has been a good way for us to encourage HS counselors and teachers to visit our school and talk to our teachers.
This is a great idea, Dale. Typically we know of articiulation agreements arranged with other career schools. But this is a great way to really get to know the high school market and the guidance counselors and other influencers. Can you share some details about how you make this happen? Thanks, Susan
We have an admission representive just for HS students. She contacts the local high schools and attends their "career fairs". The HS student leaves with a bag with our name on it and reference information inside.
Hi Crystal - Sounds like a good plan. What else can your admissions rep be doing? Maybe there are some skills that HS students need to be learning? Other kinds of presentations? Other career awareness programs? Lots of things one dedicated HS rep can be doing. And lots of different kinds of followup! Susan
Every school has the opportunity to have better marketing results in house. This takes some normal and regular procedures. For example, by hiring the right instructor, admitting the right student, having a good laboratory with the most updated equipment, etc. It will make the school have better results in the student enrollment because it will make other student recommend the school to others at any moment of their life. With this method any school will invest less than 10% of the marketing expense.
Hi Gustavo
Great points. Offer the best and word of mouth and referrals will fill your classrooms. Thanks, Susan
We definitely can do more to reach out to the hs but are starting to get more resistance from HS. The best way is to get to know the counselors and some of the teachers.
Cassandra,
It is an interesting challenge to work with high schools. First you have to determine whether your programs are really appropriate for high school students and the high schools in your community. If you offer technical programs then a high school focused on getting their grads into Harvard will probably not be receptive. The other is to recognize that high school students and staff are always pressed for time. Therefore what can you do to get their attention and when? We suggest offering low key and interesting events at the convenience of the school. If you make it fun and informational you might get some takers. Thanks. Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
