A WIN FOUNDATION PROJECT PROPOSAL
Objective
The objective of this project is to increase enrollment at Wittenberg University by actively recruiting high school students into key non-athletic extracurricular activities that align with their interests and passions. This initiative will create early engagement with prospective students, foster a strong sense of belonging, and highlight Wittenberg’s dynamic campus life. This idea is an extension of the concept of personalized recruiting of student athletes, however, it is applicable to all prospective Wittenberg applicants. This will build on current Wittenberg initiatives in this area by leveraging WIN's network of alumni to enhance the outreach, as well as underwriting outreach activities.
Strategic Approach
This strategy focuses on identifying and promoting Wittenberg’s non-athletic extracurricular activities, targeting prospective students through tailored marketing, direct outreach, and experiential recruitment efforts.
Key Non-Athletic Extracurriculars for Recruitment Focus
Based on trends at liberal arts colleges, Wittenberg should emphasize:
Student Government & Leadership Organizations – Attract high school students interested in governance, peer mentorship, and leadership opportunities for Student Senate, Union Board, and other student governance committees.
Community Service & Civic Engagement – With the support of the Hagen Center, connect with students involved in service clubs, emphasizing Wittenberg’s strong tradition of social responsibility.
Performing & Visual Arts – Engage with students passionate about choral/voice, theater, improv, instrumental groups, and fine arts by offering recruitment performances and workshops. This would include sustaining Wittenberg Choir and other ensemble musical groups.
Media & Publications – Target aspiring journalists and content creators through Wittenberg’s newspaper, literary magazines, and radio opportunities.
Academic & Intellectual Clubs – Reach other students through academics-aligned groups such as model UN, debate, Ethics Bowl, Mock Trial, pre-professional organizations, and research.
Political/Activism Groups – Attract politically active students through clubs affiliated with national groups (such as College Democrats, or chapters of the College Republican National Committee) or Witt-unique organizations.
Environmental & Outdoor Organizations – Promote sustainability initiatives, outing clubs, and environmental activism as campus strengths.
Special Interest Groups – Reach out to students involved in video gaming, board games, Dungeons and Dragons, cooking/baking, movies, etc.
Recruitment Strategies
1. Direct Outreach to High School Students
Establish relationships with high school teachers, club advisors, and guidance counselors who lead extracurricular groups that align with this initiative.
Develop targeted email campaigns for high school students involved in leadership, service, arts, and media programs.
Host virtual and in-person info sessions featuring student leaders and advisors from each club/organization.
Outreach led by Wittenberg student organizations and WIN Foundation paid advisors or assistant advisors.
2. High School Engagement & Competitions
Organize a “Future Leaders Conference” for high school student government and service organization members to network with Wittenberg’s student leaders.
Host a Model UN or Debate Invitational at Wittenberg, offering top high school participants scholarships or guaranteed club membership upon enrollment.
Sponsor regional art, film, or writing competitions, with winners invited to a special campus experience.
Provide prospective high school students an opportunity to be a Wittenberg Torch Guest Columnist/Reporter or Guest DJ/Podcaster on WUSO while they are still in high school (over the Internet).
3. Experiential Campus Visits & Summer Programs
Create an Arts & Media Summer Experience, where high school students participate in Wittenberg’s performing arts groups, newspaper, or creative writing workshops.
Offer a Civic Engagement & Leadership Camp, allowing students to work on real-world projects alongside Wittenberg faculty and students.
Organize an Outdoor & Sustainability Retreat, highlighting campus sustainability efforts and outdoor programs.
4. Social Media & Digital Content Strategy
Develop targeted social media campaigns featuring real student testimonials, behind-the-scenes club content, and success stories.
Create a YouTube or TikTok series showcasing Wittenberg’s extracurricular activities.
Leverage Instagram takeovers by club leaders to show a day in the life of involved students.
Use the digital Torch, WUSO, and Athletic Department broadcasts to involve prospective students on Wittenberg activities.
5. Early Commitment & Incentives
Offer involvement opportunities for incoming students who commit early to participating in specific organizations.
Provide micro-scholarships for students with outstanding extracurricular achievements in high school.
Establish an “Extracurricular Match” Program, where accepted students are paired with current club members before arriving on campus, and these students correspond with the prospective students during the recruiting process.
WIN-sponsored cash awards for student organizations that meet/exceed recruiting targets.
Expected Outcomes
Increased applications and enrollment from students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.
Increased "yield" of applicants that choose Wittenberg as their college of choice.
Higher retention rates due to students feeling connected to their extracurricular interests from the start.
Enhanced reputation of Wittenberg’s student life, reinforcing its appeal to prospective applicants.
Conclusion
By integrating extracurricular-focused recruitment into Wittenberg University’s admissions strategy, we can attract and retain students who are not only academically strong but also deeply engaged in campus life. This approach will showcase Wittenberg as a vibrant, welcoming community that fosters student passions beyond the classroom, ultimately leading to higher enrollment and greater student satisfaction.