The Referral Program is a signature element of the award-winning Alma Ambassador Program®, a comprehensive effort to organize, support, and promote all types of volunteer service to the college and its community. Prior to the program’s inception, the college provided a t-shirt to individuals who referred a student. Under the Referral Program, the college provides referred students with a $1,500 annual scholarship ($6,000 total) in the name of their referrer. Prior to the program’s launch, the college averaged fewer than 50 referrals per year. In 2015, the program’s inaugural year, Alma received 978 referrals. Amazingly, the number of referrals continues to increase in each subsequent year, surpassing 1,400 in 2019.
From the Judges
Alma had terrific results in both matriculation and retention of referred students, which is a great indicator of their preparation and planning. We liked how they involved several departments across campus, and appreciated that they kept the alumni who gave referrals in the loop as their student progressed through the application process, as well as got updates on the overall recruitment progress. This showed that they know that alumni value this communication. This is not an easy undertaking, and it appears they did it very well.
