In August 2014, I received an email from a Young Life College staff person at Miami University of Ohio that read, “Could you send me a list of the freshman coming our way? We're gearing up for a big year!” After looking into our Alumni and Friends network, we were able to send information on 44 high school graduates that were heading to their way! Five years later we got an update on what happened with those 44…
All 44 were contacted and received a personal invitation to stay connected to Young Life and get involved at their school.
25 became Young Life leaders!
14 are still leading post-college!
2 are on Young Life staff or participating in a Summer Internship!
This is one class, one school, one story, in the midst of thousands!
Did you know that last year we were able to stay connected to and serve more than 26,600 graduates from the high school class of 2018?
Did you know that the office of Alumni and Friends responded to more than 600 staff requests for information on incoming freshman to their universities and areas?
Did you know that this effort has ripple effects touching individual lives, families, ministries and mission units in the U.S. and abroad?
Did you know that we are working diligently to provide the opportunity to stay connected students in the 103 Countries around the World where YL has a presence?
Did you know that we are only scratching the surface of the potential?
Conservative estimates are that there are more than 90,000 high school graduates every year in the U.S. alone who were involved with Young Life. Whether heading to college, the military, or the work force, these graduates are going through a significant transition and many want to stay connected. Giving them this opportunity is an extension of our commitment to discipleship and helping them “grow in their faith.” This effort will also result in more people being capable and willing to serve in numerous ways for years to come.
So, what can you do? (5 EASY STEPS)
Every region in the U.S has an Alumni Advocate/Graduate Manager. Listen to them. See who they are HERE.
Make sure you’re capturing information on the students you and your leaders know. Club cards are not a thing of the past, they are a crucial first step to staying connected to, and serving your graduates.
Check out our Graduate Campaign web-resources, and consider growing your local effort.
Prepare seniors for their upcoming transition and the opportunity to stay connected to Young Life.
Got 3 minutes? Well, we’ve got a video for you!
For more information about the the process of connecting High School Graduates to Colleges and Universities with a YLC presence, follow this LINK.
Written By: Jonathan Schultz (jschultz@sc.younglife.org)