What are the best ways to partner with schools for increased student enrollment?

1 Identify your target schools

The first step to partner with schools is to identify which ones are most likely to benefit from your institution and vice versa. You can use various criteria to narrow down your list, such as location, demographics, academic performance, mission, and values. You can also research the needs and interests of the schools, their students, and their communities. This will help you tailor your partnership proposal and offer relevant solutions.

2 Establish clear goals and expectations

The second step to partner with schools is to establish clear goals and expectations for the partnership. You should communicate what you want to achieve, how you will measure success, and what each party will contribute and receive. You should also discuss how you will communicate, coordinate, and collaborate throughout the partnership. Having a written agreement or contract can help you formalize and document the partnership terms and conditions.

3 Provide value and support

The third step to partner with schools is to provide value and support to the schools, their students, and their families. You should demonstrate how your institution can help them address their challenges, goals, and aspirations. You can do this by offering various services and resources, such as scholarships, workshops, mentoring, counseling, tutoring, online courses, campus visits, and events. You should also provide feedback, recognition, and appreciation to the schools for their participation and contribution.

4 Engage and inspire

The fourth step to partner with schools is to engage and inspire the students and their families to consider your institution as a viable option for their education. You should showcase your institution's strengths, values, and culture, as well as the benefits and opportunities it can offer. You should also share stories and testimonials of successful alumni, current students, and faculty. You should also invite the students and their families to interact with your institution through various channels, such as social media, newsletters, webinars, and podcasts.

5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step to partner with schools is to evaluate and improve the partnership regularly. You should collect and analyze data and feedback from the schools, the students, and their families, as well as your own institution. You should identify what works well and what needs improvement. You should also celebrate the achievements and outcomes of the partnership and share them with the stakeholders. You should also seek ways to enhance and expand the partnership and explore new possibilities.

6 Foster long-term relationships

The sixth and final step to partner with schools is to foster long-term relationships with them. You should maintain regular contact and communication with the schools, the students, and their families, even after they enroll in your institution or choose another option. You should also provide ongoing support and guidance to the students and their families throughout their educational journey. You should also encourage the schools to refer and recommend your institution to other potential students and partners.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?