Of all the tools a local school like Olympic College might use to showcase itself, not many could have guessed an Amazon Prime account among other streaming options.
Yet now leaders believe such a tactic may have put their community college on the map for more prospective students in the years to come.
Olympic College was one of 19 schools selected to be featured in episodes of the 11th season of The College Tour, a show that offers a visual look of various college campuses across America while broadcasting stories from students at each school. The opportunities and resources available at each school are also highlighted.
OC’s episode was filmed in December and showcased at the college in an early screening in April.
“Olympic College offers students an extraordinary experience, and we’re so excited to share that on The College Tour,” said the show’s host, Alex Boylan. “For students, choosing which college to attend is a monumental decision, and this episode gives prospective students a first-hand look at what makes this school so special.”
The selection of Olympic College made it the series’ first look into a community college in the state of Washington. The impression left behind was reportedly a big one and featured a group scene including the most students, staff and faculty on camera at once in the show’s history.
OC communications director Shawn Devine, who worked as a producer on the episode, said, “We left our unique OC stamp on The College Tour series—one that shows why so many people from the region and beyond choose to start their futures here.”
Viewers learn about the college from a cast of 10 students; some as local as Bremerton, others as far away as Florida and further still. The students represent various academic departments such as nursing, film, business and more “world-class” programs.
The tour took viewers to all three campuses in Bremerton, Poulsbo and Shelton, but more than highlighting academics and nearby entertainment, the episode chooses to focus on what Boylan said is a “welcoming environment where diversity is a strength and equity is a priority.”
“This episode showcases our bright and resourceful students and all the programs and services available to them at OC,” president Marty Cavalluzzi said. “But even more than that, it demonstrates the supportive community that they step into the moment they enroll.”