The College Promise Summer Learning Series | Daylighting Insights from the College Promise Learning Community: Advancing Impact through Compelling Communication
Overview
Building on insights from the College Promise Learning Community (CPLC): Advancing Impact Through Compelling Communication, College Promise hosted a four‑part public webinar series this summer. The series highlighted key tools, practices, and lessons that emerged throughout the learning community, equipping Promise leaders to communicate their impact more effectively, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and advance organizational sustainability. Each session featured Promise leaders and content experts who shared strategies for elevating communication and storytelling across the movement. Read on for summaries and recordings of each session.
Session 1: Effective Communication for Student Success
Session 1, Effective Communication for Student Success, featured Caitlin Anzelone, Director of MDRC’s Center for Applied Behavioral Science (CABS). Through an insightful presentation followed by a Q&A session, participants considered how organizations could use behavioral insights and student-centered design to improve student communication, outreach, and, in turn, expand opportunity. The session examined common challenges institutions face in driving student action and introduced practical reframes for applying behavioral science principles to student communication to enhance clarity and impact.
Watch recording here (Password: 6wT4$=c7)
Session 2: Fundamentals of Storytelling for Organizational Success
Session 2, Storytelling for Organizational Success, featured Scott Carlson, author of Hacking College and Senior Writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education. In an interview-style discussion, participants learned about the core elements of compelling narratives, audience considerations, and approaches for moving stakeholders from story to action. Drawing on examples from Hacking College, Scott illustrated how stories can illuminate broader themes and navigate complexity beyond traditional “success stories.” The session closed with guidance on crafting and pitching stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Watch recording here (Password: d!TSD8%C)
Session 3: What Is the ROI on That? Evaluating and Communicating the Impact of Promise
Session 3, What Is the ROI on That? Evaluating and Communicating the Impact of Promise, featured Leidra McQueen, Executive Director of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, and Tyler Ford, Vice President of External Partnerships for tnAchieves. They examined how Promise programs can demonstrate impact and Return on Investment (ROI) as the movement evolves toward workforce and economic mobility outcomes. Tyler and Leidra shared several best practices for measuring progress, identifying key data questions, and communicating impact in ways that motivate action. The session also introduced accessible approaches for illustrating ROI using public data and highlighted tools for visualizing outcomes effectively.
Watch recording here (Password: 9Dtv@gC*)
Session 4: From Access to Shared Prosperity: How Promise Programs Are Evolving & Strengthening Their Stories
Session 4, From Access to Shared Prosperity: How Promise Programs Are Evolving & Strengthening Their Stories, featured leaders from LA Promise, Hawai‘i Promise, and Detroit Promise. Ashley Johnson, Education Program Officer at The Kresge Foundation, moderated a thoughtful conversation centered on how Promise programming, storytelling, and narrative have evolved over the past decade, and how programs are measuring and communicating their impact to diverse stakeholders. As Promise programs expand their focus beyond completion toward workforce outcomes and community value, panelists shared how their storytelling and communication strategies have evolved, and discussed approaches for engaging funders and policymakers, measuring impact across diverse audiences, and strengthening narratives to sustain momentum in a changing landscape.
Watch recording here (Password: JEYIp83^)
Conclusion
We extend our sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to this summer learning series. Your time, expertise, and commitment helped create valuable content for Promise leaders nationwide. We also thank The Kresge Foundation for sponsoring this series and supporting the continued growth of the Promise movement across the country.
If you found this student‑and career‑centered content meaningful, we invite you to join us at the 2026 College Promise Careers Institute, niting Prosperity: The Path to Fueling Talent, Innovation, & Opportunity. This two‑day convening will bring together leaders from higher education, workforce development, philanthropy, government, and industry on October 21–22 at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.
Click here to register and learn more information