Best Outreach Practices for New College and Career Access Professionals

As a new college and career access professional, your outreach helps students and families make critical decisions about their futures. At times, the work can feel big, but with thoughtful practices and the right resources, you can make a lasting impact. This guide offers practical strategies and links to trusted tools to help you get started.

Understand Your Audience

Before you plan outreach events or campaigns, take time to learn about your audience. Many students may be first-generation college applicants, from low-income families, or from underrepresented or rural communities. Their needs may be very different from what you expect.

Use plain language, aim for an 8th grade reading level or lower, and offer materials in multiple languages when possible. Listening to students and families is just as important as sharing information.

Resource: NCAN First-Generation Student Support

Be Flexible in How You Reach People

Families connect in different ways, so offer your outreach in several formats. Consider hosting in-person events at schools, libraries, and community centers. Add virtual options like webinars or social media Q&A sessions.

Text messaging, phone calls, and social media updates can help maintain regular contact. Always think about accessibility by offering interpretation, visual supports, and accommodations as needed.

Resource: TalkingPoints — free multilingual communication platform

Work With Partners

Outreach is stronger when you collaborate. Build relationships with school staff, community-based organizations, faith leaders, and local businesses. They can help you connect with families and communities you might not reach on your own.

Try to invite current college students or alumni to share their experiences and offer relatable guidance.

Resource: Coalition for College

Focus on Equity

Center your outreach on equity by intentionally serving students with the greatest barriers. If possible, provide materials at no cost, offer sessions at flexible times, and support transportation or childcare.

Success in the end starts with talking about affordability early. Share information on financial aid and scholarships so families know resources exist and where to find them.

Resources:

• Federal Student Aid Resources

• CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder
  

Stay Organized and Use Technology

Successful outreach depends on staying organized. Create a simple system (even in Google Sheets) to track contacts, events, and follow-up. Use free or low-cost tools to help manage your work, like Google Sheets, Remind, TalkingPoints, and Canva.

Automate reminders for key tasks, such as FAFSA® or scholarship deadlines, to help students stay on track.

Resource: Remind

Provide Clear, Small Steps

Break complex processes into small, actionable steps that students and families can follow. Offer timelines, checklists, and templates that guide them through tasks like creating an FSA ID, completing FAFSA®, or submitting applications.

Resources:

• Federal Student Aid College Prep Checklist

• CareerOneStop Career Toolkit
  

Build Relationships and Follow Up

Outreach is not just about one event; it’s about building trust. Stay in touch with students and families after workshops and meetings. Send reminders, check in during transition periods, and celebrate milestones like application submissions and college acceptances.

Resource: uAspire Summer Melt Guide

Final Tips for New Outreach Professionals

Start small and focus on quality over quantity. Provide clear next steps at every interaction. Track what works and adjust your approach as you go. Don't forget to celebrate small and large successes to keep students motivated!

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