One of the ways to stay competitive and leading in the school choice market, is to understand the different generations and value the ways they like to be communicated with and the technology they expect in schools. Whether it be millennials, Gen Xers, or Gen Z, it is a beneficial long-term strategy for schools to know how to build ongoing communication with families in the most useful ways for their individual needs.
Did you know for example, that millennials are 9% more likely to say they are the first of their friends to try new products, are 2.5 times more likely than Gen Xers to own emerging technology products. In fact, millennial parents are more than twice as likely as non-parent Millennials to own a voice assistant (47% vs. 22%).
Technology adoption.
For each generation, there has been significant change or adoption in technology and the ways that are fundamentally important to families in school communications. The days of notes in backpacks, even for all of those generations represented above are starting to wane in terms of efficiency in communication. Teachers are using SMART boards and families are wanting efficient, private and expedient methods for being in touch with their student’s school, administration and needs.
When it comes to technology adoption millennials utilize text more often and are open to messaging via text from their schools. For Gen Xers they might want to opt in to receive email notices instead of paper notices, in regard to, grades, school events, and tuition bills due.
Bonus Tip: 86% of millennials use text and social media to communicate and stay informed.
Interestingly, one of the key things all generations have in common is a need for additional financial aid or at least want an opportunity to see what financial aid might be available.
Each generation differs on asking for additional financial aid assistance. For instance, did you know that Gen X parents are less likely to ask for assistance due to their independent nature and that millennial parents are often saddled with their own college student loan debt?
What does this mean to your school when it comes to letting families know about the aid that is available? It underscores the need for you to ensure all your families know financial aid is available and to encourage all families to apply just to see what they qualify for.
Meeting families where they are.
As families juggle more in a 24-hour period having an accessible online way to process financial aid, student enrollment, health and even field trip paperwork can be a benefit to your school’s long-term growth. Have you made a plan to reduce paper and manual tasks by giving families more opportunities to apply for admission and financial aid online?
Our latest guide will help you with important strategies and insight on how best to have a robust system in place for all families and all generations!
We can help your school keep families engaged and looking forward to your school’s communication or messaging. TADS also enables you to meet the needs of today’s ever-changing financial landscape, and gives you tools to customize your enrollment experience and fee structure.
