The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) has launched a $217,000 marketing campaign to encourage more students to enroll and let them know the district’s four colleges are offering considerable financial assistance and other support.
Enrollment is down across the district as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial challenges, health concerns and childcare issues have forced many students to delay their education. The campaign, themed “Your Future Starts Here,” is a coordinated effort by San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar and Continuing Education colleges to let students know that regardless of whether they enroll online or in-person, they will find a safe and welcoming environment.
The campaign, which launched August 16, includes digital advertisements (including Instagram and Snapchat) and out-of-home advertisements such as billboards, bus wraps, transit shelters and interior transit ads. The six-month campaign complements statewide efforts to boost enrollment at California’s 116 community colleges.
“The San Diego Community College District serves many of the region’s most vulnerable students,” said Jack Beresford, SDCCD Director of Communications and Public Relations. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on these students who have struggled with housing and food insecurities, technology issues and the loss of income. In response, the district’s colleges are distributing $50 million in direct emergency assistance and have expanded many of the wrap-around services students need most.”
The Your Future Starts Here campaign will run through the fall semester and up to the start of the spring 2022 semester. The SDCCD hopes that if health conditions improve, it will be able to return to normal operations in early 2022. For more information about the district’s colleges, visit sdccd.edu.
As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 100,000 students annually through three two-year colleges and the San Diego College of Continuing Education. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College, offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and entry-level jobs. Mesa College also offers a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. The San Diego College of Continuing Education offers noncredit adult education at seven campuses throughout San Diego.
619-341-1091
jberesford@sdccd.edu