Exceptional online programs deserve exceptional visibility.

To help more learners discover the high-quality educational opportunities available through NC State Online, DELTA is launching the NC State Online Strategic Marketing Support Partnership, a new initiative that provides selected online programs with strategic marketing and communications support designed to increase visibility, strengthen program brands and support enrollment growth.

While DELTA’s Marketing and Communications team has partnered with NC State Online programs for years, the new partnership introduces a more intentional approach to evaluating, prioritizing and supporting projects. By providing resources to individual programs, DELTA will help participants work towards their strategic marketing, branding and growth goals.

“By building strategic partnerships with programs that are ready to grow, we can create innovative marketing solutions that not only increase enrollment but also strengthen the collective impact of NC State Online,” said Jennifer Kendall, assistant vice provost for marketing and communications.

A Partnership, Not a Grant

Unlike a traditional funding opportunity, the Strategic Marketing Support Partnership operates on a service-based model. No monetary funds are distributed to participating programs. Instead, selected programs receive customized marketing and communications services from DELTA’s Marketing and Communications team at no cost.

Every partnership is tailored to the program’s unique goals and opportunities and may include services such as:

• Strategic marketing planning
• Digital advertising
• Website optimization
• Content strategy and messaging
• Creative development
• Communications planning
• Enrollment marketing campaigns
• Marketing analytics and performance measurement

The objective is simple: move beyond planning to implement marketing strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.

Built on Collaboration

Successful marketing begins with collaboration.

Programs selected for the partnership will work closely with DELTA’s Marketing and Communications team throughout the planning, implementation and evaluation process. Program leaders will help define goals, share subject-matter expertise and actively participate in bringing marketing initiatives to life.

Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all solution, each partnership will evolve to meet the program’s specific needs while leveraging the expertise of DELTA’s marketing professionals.

Who Can Apply?

All NC State Online programs are encouraged to submit an application.

Applications will be evaluated using four equally weighted criteria:

• Strategic Alignment: How well the proposal supports NC State Online enrollment priorities, institutional goals and brand priorities.
• Feasibility: The scope of the project and the team’s ability to complete meaningful deliverables within the proposed timeline.
• Program Commitment: The willingness of program leadership and stakeholders to actively participate in meetings and support implementation as needed.
• Measurable Impact: Clearly defined outcomes, such as increases in inquiries, applications or enrollments.

Key Dates

• Request for Proposals Released: Aug. 5, 2026
• Proposal Submission Deadline: Sept. 15, 2026
• Selected Programs Notified: Oct. 1, 2026
• Partnership Kickoff: October 2026

Preparing a Proposal

Applicants will be asked to provide information about their program, including current enrollment, enrollment goals, program objectives, marketing opportunities, key stakeholders and ideas for how they would like to partner with DELTA’s Marketing and Communications team. Programs will also indicate whether they currently use Slate and have the capacity to follow up with prospective student leads generated through marketing efforts.

Investing in the Future of NC State Online

As the marketplace for online education continues to evolve, effective marketing plays an increasingly important role in helping prospective students connect with programs that align with their educational and career goals.

The NC State Online Strategic Marketing Support Partnership represents an investment in both individual programs and the long-term success of NC State Online. By combining the expertise of program leaders with DELTA’s marketing and communications professionals, the initiative will help more learners discover the value of an NC State education while supporting sustainable enrollment growth across the university’s online portfolio.

The Request for Proposals opens Aug. 15, and all NC State Online programs are encouraged to apply.

For questions about the application process, contact Bobbie Gore at bcgore@ncsu.edu.