Milton Hershey School Admissions Uses Virtual Open Houses to Safely Connect with Prospective Students
In previous years, the Milton Hershey School Admissions team would be preparing to travel for their spring events season. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced events to online platforms, MHS Admissions had to quickly shift its model from in-person events to virtual, interactive offerings called virtual open houses for prospective families and professionals.
“The pandemic dictated that our entire strategy had to be shifted immediately to virtual events,” said Nadine Krempa, MHS Director of Enrollment Management. “We were able to put together customized virtual open houses that allow our counselors to safely make connections while sharing valuable information and answering questions.”
This past fall, MHS held 12 virtual open houses with an average of 48 students represented at each. Overall, Admissions counselors welcomed 575 students and their families to learn more about the life-changing opportunities that await at MHS. Switching to virtual events has allowed the Admissions team to meet prospective families and professionals from across 25 states compared to the eight represented last year.
“The data from this school year shares that our families are not letting the pandemic and physical barriers limit the opportunities they are seeking for their children,” Krempa said.
This year, the Admissions team has pressed into high gear with creative ideas to reach new families throughout the admissions process. Beyond virtual open houses, they are offering virtual touch-base meetings, and student and alumni panels.
“We are excited that even during this unprecedented time, we were still able to enroll 187 new students since July of 2020,” said Shaun Turner, MHS Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Family Relations. “We were able to enroll new students in a safe, friendly manner that took into account all the complexities that accompany a global pandemic.”
Learn More About Upcoming Virtual Open Houses
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