As 2024 fades into the past, it’s time to celebrate the stories and strategies that resonated most with our community last year. At GradComm, we’re not only dedicated to helping community colleges connect with students, we’re also committed to helping marketing professionals like you grow and thrive. That’s why we enjoy paying it forward with free content like this.
This year, our blog posts and podcasts sparked a wide variety of thoughtful conversations and actionable insights—here’s a roundup of our most popular content from 2024.
Top Blogs of 2024
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Media Habits of Community College Students
This blog dives into the fast-changing world of student media consumption. It explores how community college students use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, while highlighting the importance of meeting students where they are. Readers found the detailed breakdown of media trends particularly helpful in designing outreach campaigns that speak directly to today’s students.
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11 Interview Questions to Make Your Student Profiles Easier to Write—and Better to Read
Storytelling is a cornerstone of marketing, and this blog offered practical tools for creating compelling student profiles. Included is a free, curated list of interview questions designed to elicit authentic, relatable narratives, making it a go-to resource for marketing professionals aiming to shine a spotlight on student success stories.
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Understanding Applied, Not Registered, and Stop-Out Students
Enrollment management was a hot topic in 2024, and this blog offered essential insights into understanding and addressing the challenges of engaging a critical but often forgotten student population. Its actionable advice on re-engaging these students was particularly valued by enrollment teams. A few mini case studies showcase the significant impact successful ANR campaigns can make on applications and enrollment.
Most-Streamed Podcasts of 2024
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Strategies for Success in Workforce Development Courses
This episode featuring Linda Kurokawa, formerly with MiraCosta College, captivated listeners with its exploration of workforce development. Linda shared innovative strategies for building flexible, self-funded programs that align with industry needs. Her emphasis on marketing these programs through social media and word-of-mouth provided valuable lessons for colleges aiming to expand their reach in workforce education.
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A Journey to Balance Motherhood and Career Success
South Orange County Community College District Letitia Clark’s candid discussion about balancing professional ambitions and motherhood struck a chord with listeners. Her advice on embracing positive self-talk, seeking community support, and fostering a better work environment for working parents inspired many. This episode resonated particularly with women in leadership roles seeking practical strategies to thrive in both their careers and personal lives.
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Creating a Digital Community for Students in the Social Media Era
Social media remains a cornerstone of student engagement, and this podcast with Megan Ellisor of North Carolina State University offered a masterclass on leveraging digital platforms. From gamified fundraising campaigns to building authentic connections online, Megan’s strategies provided actionable insights for any institution looking to enhance its digital presence.
Why This Content Matters
The success of these blogs and podcasts reflects the evolving priorities of community colleges and their marketing teams. Whether it’s understanding student behavior, crafting compelling narratives, or navigating digital spaces, there is one thing that holds these all together—our audience is eager for strategies that drive meaningful connections.
As we head into 2025, we’re excited to continue exploring the stories, tools, and insights that help community colleges thrive.
Thank you for engaging with us and for your dedication to making a difference in higher education. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and connection!