Rather than having students find opportunities for real-world applications of their studies beyond the classroom, why not bring it to them?
A public relations campaigns class, offered through the communication department in UC's College of Arts and Sciences, gives students a taste of experience in the field.
Each semester, they partner with a business or organization seeking fresh marketing and media assistance to help the organization's message reach as many as possible. This semester, the class has partnered with Sarah House, a support organization for area youth, to give its outward presentation a refresh.
Sarah House is a Cincinnati pediatric respite care facility for children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. In a time where there are often no options for round-the-clock care that allows them to embrace their childhood, Sarah House helps fill that void. The space puts an emphasis on a home-like environment, prioritizing the patient's and family's well-being.
The students have gotten the chance to execute many of the public relations skill they will need after graduation, from media kits to newsletters and press release templates. The students, Doyle said, are feeling all the weight that comes with working to help a real client improve a business.
"It's nerve-wracking," she said. "But it is very fun. It is real-world experience, and we're experiencing the fruits of our labor."
While they get to see their hard work pay off now, the students hope it doesn't stop there. If their work publicizing Sarah House is truly effective, they hope that this isn't their last time hearing about the organization, and they want to see Sarah House succeed.
As they move on to graduation and beyond, the students have supplied Sarah House with a list of contacts to send their PR kits, and a list of future events and contacts that could benefit from Sarah House's services after the project is over.
Featured image at top: The logo for Sarah House in Cincinnati. Photo/Provided
