The challenge
Johnston Community College (JCC), in Smithfield, North Carolina, faced a growing challenge: bringing back students who had left before completing their programs. To drive meaningful re-enrollment outcomes, JCC needed a cost-effective, data-informed strategy that could rebuild connections, remove obstacles, and guide students smoothly back into the enrollment process.
The solution
Johnston Community College partnered with Motimatic to develop a targeted digital outreach strategy built around timely, personalized messages that addressed the real challenges students faced. The strategy blended motivational storytelling with practical information about financial aid, payment options, and registration steps—making it easier for students to act and regain momentum toward completing their degrees.
Keys to Success
- Focused Outreach JCC prioritized students who had last attended as far back as Fall 2019—a population with strong potential to return if offered clear pathways and relevant support.
- Adaptive Communication StrategyThe team launched a tiered series of digital content aligned with the re-enrollment funnel. When data revealed that financial challenges were the main obstacle, content shifted to highlight tuition support, flexible payment options, and financial aid guidance—ensuring no student’s decision hinged on cost alone.
- Expansive Digital ReachThrough Motimatic’s engagement platform, JCC connected with more than 4,000 stopped-out students across more than six social media platforms. The campaign maintained a consistent digital presence that kept students informed, motivated, and moving toward re-enrollment.
The results
This comprehensive, data-driven outreach empowered Johnston Community College to convert digital engagement into tangible enrollment results. By addressing financial barriers directly and maintaining personalized communication throughout the enrollment process, the college achieved measurable growth and a threefold return on investment.
In their words
The great thing about Johnston Community College’s enrollment growth is much can be attributed to efforts like the Stop Out campaign we ran with Motimatic.
Terri Lee, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategy