Snapshot
Services
Brand development, design, class schedules, media buying
Audience
Active adults and retirees ages 55+
Focus
Lifelong learning and enrollment growth
The challenge
Reverse declining enrollment in Saddleback College’s Emeritus Program by renewing its relevance to active adults and retirees, expanding participation in lifelong learning, and supporting the college’s apportionment funding.
Our solution
Refresh the program’s identity around a new tagline, “Where Learning Never Retires,” pairing relatable photography and student testimonials with a redesigned class schedule, targeted direct mail, email outreach, and digital advertising.
Key Achievements
- ✓ Largest enrollment increase in program history, reversing enrollment declines
- ✓ 1.9M+ digital impressions and 32,817 website visits over four months
- ✓ 2,648 view-through visits and 5,175 video views during the same period
- ✓ Redesigned class schedule praised by students, staff, and community partners
Why This Work Matters
Emeritus offers older adults a place to build community and keep growing, even into their later years. Presenting that opportunity through relatable language, real learners, and welcoming creative helps people picture themselves taking part. This work mattered because it invited more adults to stay curious and connected while strengthening a program that gives lifelong learning a place in the community.
What Colleges Ask Us...
How can colleges make lifelong learning programs relevant to a new generation of older adults?
Lead with what people want to do, discover, and enjoy in this phase of life. Use language and imagery that reflect their interests and energy, and let current learners show what participation can look like. Pair that invitation with clear class information and targeted outreach through both digital and local community channels. A familiar program can feel newly relevant when prospective students can see themselves in it.
About GradComm
GradComm is a strategic marketing agency rooted in community college and public education marketing. We help institutions increase enrollment, strengthen their brands, and create marketing that truly connects with students.
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