As college communicators, we are privileged in many ways, especially when it comes to having plenty of content to market. Community colleges, in particular, possess a treasure trove of offerings: affordable programs, extensive services, diverse students and programs, and an array of exciting events. From my perspective, community colleges are uniquely positioned to connect and engage with their students, alumni, and the wider community through the dynamic medium of social media.
If you’re a community college aiming to elevate your social media presence, it’s super helpful to draw inspiration from other successful examples. I myself stay current and gleam inspiration from the social media accounts of five community colleges that I feel have mastered the art of captivating their audiences. From crafting enjoyable and interactive content to showcasing visually stunning posts, these colleges have cracked the code to stand out in the digital realm. Get ready ready to be inspired!
Valencia College
Located in Orlando, Florida, Valencia College boasts an impressive Instagram following of over 22K and has established a robust social media presence centered around compelling storytelling and student triumphs. Through their various social media accounts, the college shares inspiring narratives of students who have overcome obstacles and accomplished remarkable feats within their programs.
Valencia College effectively utilizes their social media platforms to introduce Purrcy, their beloved Puma mascot. Not only does the college use its social accounts to celebrate its students, but it also seizes the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of its esteemed faculty members and accomplished alumni. By doing so, Valencia College fosters a sense of pride and community among their followers.
Austin Community College
Austin Community College, situated in Austin, Texas, boasts a prominent presence on social media platforms. With a following of over 8K on Instagram and over 11K on Twitter, they have successfully cultivated an engaged online community.
Their social media feed presents a cohesive and visually appealing branded grid highlighting their energetic mascot, the Riverbat, and prominently features their vibrant purple color scheme. Austin Community College’s content showcases students actively participating in content creation, fostering a sense of community and involvement.
By actively involving students in creating content, Austin Community College ensures an authentic and relatable representation of its student body. Through its engaging social media presence, the college effectively communicates the diverse opportunities and vibrant atmosphere that it offers.
Pasadena City College
Boasting an engaging and aesthetically pleasing feed, Pasadena City College has garnered an impressive following of over 11,000 on its Instagram account. The college embraces the latest trends by incorporating them into Reels, injecting an element of fun and excitement into their content.
The college utilizes its social media platform to showcase a myriad of captivating aspects, including campus events, transfer student successes, and its beloved mascot. Notably, the college recently employed social media as a means to unveil its new mascot in a playful and entertaining manner, actively involving its followers in the process by inviting them to participate in naming the mascot. This inclusive approach generated an enthusiastic buzz among their online community and further strengthened the bond between the college and its followers.
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College, located in the heart of Los Angeles, California, has over 14,000 followers on Instagram and over 12,000 followers on Twitter. Its social media channels are known for their fun and engaging content, including ‘Life of a Corsair’ and posts on student life, campus events, and local attractions. This college is in the tops when it comes to transfers to UC and CSU’s and it won’t let you forget it! Santa Monica College also use its social media accounts to showcase its beautiful campus and the city of Santa Monica and all that it offers.
Cape Fear Community College
Cape Fear Community College, situated in Wilmington, North Carolina, has made a name for itself through its unrivaled presence on TikTok, boasting an impressive following of over 27k and over 2.2m likes. Embracing trends, they have taken on the challenge of dispelling community college stereotypes with a touch of humor and amusement. By debunking myths associated with community college education, the college is not only having a great time but also garnering substantial attention.
Cape Fear’s Instagram account has also gained significant traction, accumulating over 12k followers. Showcasing visually captivating content, Cape Fear Community College continues to captivate and expand its audience. Its fearless approach to social media has allowed the college to cultivate a thriving online community, further bolstering its reputation and attracting substantial attention.
My hope is that these remarkable colleges have ignited your imagination and inspired you to share your own institution’s distinctive story. Remember, it’s through the power of storytelling that we can genuinely connect with our community and make a lasting impact. So, go ahead and let your college’s story shine bright!
