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Student-Led Events & Referral Framework for Alpha Schools

Overview​

This document outlines a strategy to leverage student leadership and engagement in driving tours and commitments for Alpha Schools, with a focus on creating authentic, student-led experiences that empower prospective students to take ownership of their future.

Current Opportunity​

Based on conversations with current Alpha students, there's a significant opportunity to have students lead or co-lead events that activate prospective students. This approach is validated by Alpha's existing investment in student engagement through the Nights & Weekends program, where coordinators Jack and Garrett have received approval to pay $5,000 per referral for Nights & Weekends students - a program that represents significantly less value than a full-time Alpha High student.

Proposed Referral Framework​

Tiered Incentive Structure​

  1. Event Attendance: $100 per head

    • Paid when a referred student attends a student-led event
    • Creates initial engagement and motivation

  2. Tour Conversion: $500 per head

    • Paid when an event attendee takes a tour
    • Rewards successful initial engagement

  3. Full Enrollment: $7,500 per head

    • Paid when a toured student enrolls full-time
    • Based on the existing $5,000 referral benchmark for Nights & Weekends students
    • Reflects the higher value of a full-time Alpha High student compared to a Nights & Weekends student

Initial Student Leaders​

  • Cruz Saunders
  • Alex Matthew
  • Kian Gupta (Nights & Weekends student)
  • Additional Alpha students to be engaged

Proof of Concept Event​

Location & Format​

  • Venue: Alpha High School
  • Timing: Saturday event
  • Elements:
    • Student-led tours
    • Food and refreshments
    • Music and entertainment
    • Authentic student experiences

Budget Considerations​

  • Cost-effective approach (no venue booking required)
  • Focus on high-quality experience without being overly formal
  • Balance between professional and approachable atmosphere

Success Metrics​

  1. Number of event attendees
  2. Tour conversion rate
  3. Full enrollment rate
  4. Student leader engagement and satisfaction
  5. Cost per conversion

Expansion Strategy​

If successful in Austin, this framework can be replicated in other regions where Alpha Schools are expanding, with local student leaders taking ownership of the events.

Next Steps​

  1. Finalize and approve the referral framework
  2. Engage identified student leaders
  3. Develop event timeline and budget
  4. Create student leader training materials
  5. Plan and execute first event
  6. Gather feedback and iterate

Value Proposition​

  • Authentic student-to-student connection
  • Cost-effective marketing approach
  • Empowers current students
  • Creates natural evangelists
  • Builds community engagement
  • Leverages existing resources

Notes​

  • Framework designed to be scalable
  • Incentives structured to reward both initial engagement and final conversion
  • Student leadership ensures authentic representation of Alpha experience
  • Focus on creating welcoming, non-intimidating environment