Front Range plans to introduce “K-12 ambassadors” at local schools to increase visibility for students considering college careers.
In a press conference with student journalists on the Larimer campus, FRCC President Colleen Simpson said the college is aware of public relations problems that community colleges often face. The objective, she said, is to change that.
Community colleges often face unfair assumptions about their curriculum and prestige, she said, adding that current students’ own stories are the best marketing.
The ambassadors will be the college’s means of getting our positive messages about FRCC and help facilitate enrollment, including dual enrollment.
Along with ambassadors, she said FRCC plans to get students involved with local schools as a way to connect the college with the community.
Simpson said FRCC is working to combat the bad rap community colleges get, and to increase access and awareness to local high-schoolers.
She said that the best way to combat the current narrative around community colleges is to simply flip the script:
“Reverse it,” she said of students taking advantage of FRCC. “You’re the smart ones.”
For instance, it needs to be pointed out how community college students pay less to get pre-requisite classes before transferring.
Other ways that she said students could boost FRCC PR is through school spirit, if students show their school pride others will see that and have more interest.
Simpson praised how CSU “brands” its newcomers on the very first day with school merchandise. She said this helps them form immediate bonds and school pride.
She said FRCC will seek to do the same.
