MARKETING TECH PREP – “ON THE ROAD” Oak Land Tech Prep Consortium, Minnesota Chris Miller: Kathy Haugan:

DRIVER OAK LAND TECH PREP CONSORTIUM Created in High Schools, 2 Community Colleges, 2 Technical Colleges 20,434 students in consortium, grades 9 – advanced standing agreements tied to 107 specific college courses 1,900 credit certificates issued Guided by a Leadership Team and contracted facilitator

ROADMAP & FUEL Goal – Provide tools for use in variety of settings throughout consortium Data utilized for decision making Many certificates are issued, next step is to be sure they’re utilized – marketing needed Distribution of materials

ROADMAP & FUEL Outside vendors often complete projects Budget for maintenance of each project is considered Consortium averages 5 – 10 % of budget per year for marketing Current year - $9,000 out of $88,000

CERTIFICATES Audience: Students, Parents, College Admissions, High School Instructors Professional high-tech look, clear information, official, increases chance of redemption. Laminated versions in each tech prep classroom. Centralized & streamlined consortium system Results: Easy to recognize, helps with data and reporting

PARENT LETTER Audience: Parents Content provided by leadership team and signed by college presidents Recognizes student accomplishment

BROCHURE Audience: Students, Parents and General Created to showcase the 4 college partners, encourage certificate redemption, & highlight website Design ties back to website and overall consortium marketing theme

POSTERS Audience: High School Teachers and their classrooms, Career Advisors and Counselors Developed to highlight website and provide something colorful and eye catching for classrooms & offices Results: Positive verbal response from teachers

WEBSITE Audiences: Students and Parents Created by web design company Maintenance: Annual contract with webmaster. Consortium members update information.

WEBSITE Results: Not user friendly, visually attractive, college links are important. Changes: Revamped with added capabilities for certificate requests and agreement access. One-stop shop for teachers.

ROAD SHOW “Tech Prep, The Other College Prep” Audience: High School and College Staff Partnered with other consortia, funded by special grant Fun, interactive, research based Define & revitalize the concept of Tech Prep Results: Used frequently & adapts to fit needs of the viewers

2+2+2 GUIDE Audience: High School Instructors, Counselors, Parents, College Admissions Details provided by high schools and college partners Goal: Highlight pathways and linkages

VIDEO New for Audience: High School Teachers & Students Message: Step-by-step definition of how to use your Tech Prep credit

THEATER ADVERTISING Audience: Students & Parents Slide placed in area movie theaters prior to high school registration Results: FY05 – Too costly & unable to measure the outcome

OTHER TOOLS Phone Line - for parents & students to call with Tech Prep questions. This one flopped. People want to call a person or school they know PowerPoint presentation for school boards – under development

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Kathy Haugan Out Source Projects, Inc. Chris Miller Oak Land Vocational Center