Promoting and recruiting students for school programs can be challenging. If your CHAMPS program experiences low participation, there are many ways to attract more students and increase participation.  

 

Consider using one or more of the following strategies to increase enrollment in your CHAMPS program: 

  

  1. Find out students’ interests: Offer sports and fitness activities that students want to learn and play. Create a small survey and share it with the school community to learn more about your students. Share this information with the principal. 


  • Be creative with your CHAMPS schedule: Assess your students' needs and tailor your program to accommodate them. Can you provide a flexible schedule? Do students want an AM or PM program? Think outside the box to draw more students to your program. 


  • Encourage students to invite a friend - Talk to students and encourage them to take part in one session. Also, allow students to share their program experience with other students and families. Peer-to-peer recruitment is powerful. 

  

  • Advertise a CHAMPS activity calendar: Share weekly sports, fitness activities and intramural schedules with students. Provide a variety of activities that every student can enjoy; especially in Grades K-2 and 3-5.

 

  • Email a CHAMPS flyer for classroom teachers: Share information about your CHAMPS offerings and activities. Teachers and staff members can support you and encourage students and their parents to take part in your program. Teachers can send information home to parents, and they can easily contact you if their child is interested. 


  • Use a bulletin board: Choose a bulletin board near the gym, cafeteria, or main office to post pictures and information about your CHAMPS program. What is the program schedule and location for the winter season? Don’t forget to show images of your students taking part in fun activities. See CHAMPS Parent Consent Form


  • Create an Info Booth in the cafeteria: Ask students to help you supervise a “CHAMPS Info Booth” table in the cafeteria. Make flyers and distribute copies of the CHAMPS Parent Consent Form to distribute. Participating students will be able to spread the word and answer questions about the program.   


  • Write a morning announcement: Appeal to students and advocate for your program by composing a morning announcement. Compose an event announcement to explain why your CHAMPS program is important and summarize the most critical information; especially where you can be reached if they have questions or need the CHAMPS Parent Consent Form.


  • Use the school websites and social media platforms: Promote your program with online tools. Online tools can be used to share your program’s information and location, important news and updates, and pictures of students having fun. CHAMPS Parent Consent Form for images are recommended. 

 

  • Share information with Parent Coordinator: Create a CHAMPS Parent handout to share with parents and legal guardians and highlight the benefits of a CHAMPS program in the school community. Also, organize your CHAMPS events to connect families to your program. For example, coordinate a school event, showcase, performance of skills learned, or exhibition for parents to attend. Remember to make the parent consent forms readily available at these events for new recruits.