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EPEL partnered with a team of five students from the Non-Profit Communication Management class at Northwestern University this fall to devise a strategic social media plan for the early childhood community collaboration.
Michelle Shumate, the founding director of the Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact and Professor at Northwestern University, initiated the partnership with EPEL. After interviewing Amber Peters, Executive Director of the collaboration both parties agreed on a shared objective: to provide her students with a hands-on project that involved researching, analyzing, and crafting a communication plan for the collaboration.
One of EPEL’s goals is to raise awareness among families and the broader community about the critical importance of early learning during the first five years of a child’s life. Peters said, 'Partnering with students who understand the importance of analytics of the communication channels and how best to relay that information is valuable to EPEL in reaching more families and increasing awareness.'
Throughout the semester, the students researched and analyzed current social media platforms, recognizing them as the primary means of how young families receive information. The student team developed a comprehensive Brand Kit and a strategic social media plan aimed at effectively engaging the community, with a particular focus on parents with children aged birth through five. Integrated Marketing Communications student team lead, Alexandra Romo, shared, 'I am very grateful for the opportunity to work on a social media marketing plan. Knowing that your work makes a difference in the community is an enriching experience.'
Professor Shumate, highlighted the significance of such collaborations, saying, 'Working with a client provides students an opportunity to put their class knowledge into practice and gain valuable real-world experience. I am so grateful for EPEL providing the students this opportunity.'
EPEL would like to thank the non-profit communication management students at Northwestern University and how they approached the project with the professionalism of a real job for a client. They will continue to leave their gifts in our community by increasing awareness among families with young children. Their dedication and contribution are invaluable in furthering our mission and making a lasting impact in our community.
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