National Scholarship Month deserves to be celebrated

There’s a bunch of celebrations waiting for us once the month ends. Come November, there will be Thanksgiving, World Kindness Day, and even Sadie Hawkins Day parties to prepare for and enjoy. For this blog, we’re putting the spotlight on an occasion that deserves additional attention. November is also National Scholarship Month. Started by Scholarship America in 1998, the commemoration aims to boost support for scholarship programs, recognize those that work hard to give these chances to an increasing number of people, and raise awareness and applications for these programs. This means 30 days dedicated to encouraging more and more people from different backgrounds and in different fields of study to pursue their dreams. For one whole month, academic institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations promotes an amazing range of opportunities for further study and training. Does your organization run or support a scholarship program? We’ve got a few recommendations for you that might help increase the memorability factor of your National Scholarship Month celebrations this year. Remember that there are so many wonderful opportunities available – some even for very specific disciplines and courses – that it’s worth it to be very visible and show there’s no limit to what people can learn or specialize in order to become the best version of themselves.

School and nonprofit organizations

Whether your scholarship program has been running for decades or newly minted in the last few years, school merchandise that past alumni can wear or use can be a good idea. Warm reminders of the time they’ve spent at your institution, such merchandise can also serve as free promotion. Because of the high standards often set by scholarship providers, we can assume that your scholar alumni are likely positioned in influential places and communities. Imagine them walking around with your school or nonprofit logo on their person. It’s an unspoken testimonial that advances the cause of the scholarship. There are many options you can choose from — fancy jackets, useful laptop bags, and beautiful journal notebooks.

In the same vein, you can send gifts to the organizations and individuals that have been tirelessly supporting your cause. Some nice ideas can be executive power banks or a sweet drinks and snack package . It’s not just a marketing effort that strengthens your relationship with your sponsors, it’s also an investment that can encourage them to possibly support more future students. It’s an investment in helping educate the nation.

Companies

For companies that support these scholarship programs or run their own, this can be a good time for some internal communications, too. Develop some materials and supplies that can easily remind employees and other internal stakeholders about the positive impact of every little thing they do – which is helping people improve their lives through education. When employees feel their tasks have meaning and purpose, the more they become sincere spokespersons for your brand. It’s easy and fuss-free enough to have some National Scholarship Month insert-name-of-your-program-here office supplies produced and distributed. Think popularly used items like pens or sticky books.

You can also host a candidate dinner or other special event. It would be a great way for past, current, and potential beneficiaries, and your team to get to know each other and appreciate the good efforts all around. Don’t forget to send a remembrance like a beautiful framed photo everyone will be proud to display.

Other ideas

If education is an advocacy your brand can be affiliated with organically, there’s no need to jump into a full-spectrum scholarship program immediately (although the intention is admirable). How about starting with an internship program in different departments and get your troops in on the planning and implementation so the trainees get a comprehensive learning experience. It can also serve as your proof of concept in case you want to go full-fledged scholarship.

And if scholarships just aren’t in your wheelhouse, your company can still show it cares by creating and sharing inspiring content that encourage people to set goals, be committed, and act towards fruition.

We have more where these ideas are coming from. Take advantage of our experience with different companies and let us serve your marketing requirements. Leave us a message and we’ll get back to you in a jiffy.