Admissions Viewbook

Client
Highland Community College

Explore Our Expertise:
Marketing
Content Development
Graphic Design

Highland Community College Viewbook Connects with Prospective Students

Located in Freeport, IL, Highland Community College (HCC) is committed to shaping the future of the region by providing quality education and learning opportunities through programs and services that encourage the personal and professional growth of the people of northwestern Illinois.

Highland Community College sought to revitalize its recruitment strategy by leveraging the power of a dynamic viewbook. The school was looking for a compelling narrative that would resonate with potential students seeking educational opportunities closer to home.

Solution

Rather than opting for a conventional viewbook, which can be text-heavy and expensive to produce, Chartwell Agency recommended a concise 12-page viewbook to encapsulate the spirit of the HCC experience. Understanding the digital nature of the target audience, the firm suggested presenting key details about the school compellingly, enticing students to explore further on the website.

In creating a comprehensive viewbook with just 12 pages, it was crucial that the design captured the full experience of being a student at HCC. Each page was carefully designed to highlight academic offerings, cutting-edge campus facilities, student resources, athletics, and clubs. Additionally, the viewbook highlighted the institution’s 70+ degree options, flexible learning formats, and affordability, supported by compelling details, data, and statistics. The inclusion of a QR code for easy access to additional information further enhanced the viewer’s experience and engagement.

Chartwell Agency weaved the school’s overarching “It’s All Here” tagline into the viewbook, aligning it with other marketing materials to emphasize the breadth of HCC’s offerings, reinforcing the idea the college provides everything potential students need for a vibrant education. Photography featuring real HCC students and campus imagery infused authenticity into the piece, while vibrant brand colors and the iconic Cougar mascot reinforced HCC’s identity throughout. Student testimonials, accompanied by Cougar paw prints, added a personal touch, emphasizing the sense of community and belonging at HCC.

In addition to the viewbook, the project also included a customized envelope for each recipient, featuring their name and the “It’s All Here” tagline (e.g. “It’s All ‘Sam’ Here”). This personalized touch aimed to further engage prospective students and enhance the overall experience of receiving and exploring the recruitment materials from HCC.

Outcomes

The collaboration between Highland Community College and Chartwell Agency resulted in a recruitment piece that resonated with prospective students and bolstered excitement about attending the community college. The visually appealing viewbook effectively conveyed the HCC experience, driving potential students to explore the website for deeper insights. By highlighting the diverse opportunities and supportive environment at HCC, the viewbook played a crucial role in expanding the prospect pool and fostering connections with both traditional and non-traditional students.

Additionally, the inclusion of student testimonials and personalized elements underscored HCC’s commitment to fostering a sense of community. As a result, HCC experienced heightened engagement from prospective students, paving the way for enhanced enrollment and continued growth.