Schools are targeting Millennials and Generation Z more and more. Makes sense, right? They’re parents and older students!

But right behind them is Generation Alpha, born starting in 2010.

This emerging generation will soon outnumber the Baby Boomers. Many of them will live into the 22nd century.

What does this mean for schools?

Well, the Alpha Gen is growing up with smart-everything. So even if these children are not in your marketing sights right now, they can reveal coming trends.

Studies show that new technology is first adopted by the youngest generations. Then, their elders jump aboard.

Teens were the early adopters of photo filters and social media stories. Now adults use both - much to their kids’ occasional embarrassment! Schools do, too, of course, in their digital storytelling.

And, take note: these children already have more influence in the admissions process.

Although the oldest AlphaGener is no older than 11, we can already spot how they differ from their parents and older siblings - the Millennials and Gen Z.

Before schools can engage with the Alpha Gen, we must understand them. And the ways marketing and communications are shifting with their ascendancy.

So, let's spot the differences between these three generations. Then, let's explore ways to attract this fully-digitized generation’s attention.

Finally, we'll see how one school - Pine Crest, the PK-12 day school in Florida - embraces a future-thinking model that creates an atmosphere of innovation in the classroom and in their marketing.

The generational breakdown looks like this.

Generations - Millennials — **Quick Facts: Millennials**

Birth Years: 1980 to 1995
Shaped by: 9/11, the Great Recession, the internet, and social media
Favorite social media platforms: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook Messenger

There are 72 million Millennials - and you’re likely seeing more of them in your school community.

Millennials have less brand loyalty than their predecessors. Instead, they prefer to shop features first. But, they do choose brands that share their values with demonstrated authenticity.

Schools take note: Millennials have little patience for poor service. And they will pay extra for a positive customer experience.

They are comfortable with mobile devices, but one-third still use a computer for purchases. Also, they often have many social media accounts.

Generations: Generation Z — **Quick Facts: Gen Z**

Birth Years: 1996 to 2009
Shaped by: Changing demographics, social media, war, seeing the financial struggles of their parents.
Favorite social media platforms: Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok

Gen Z was born between 1996 and 2009. There are 68 million of them in the U.S.

The average Gen Zer was 10 when they received their first mobile device, and they expect innovation. They are already hyper-connected and communicate through their smartphones.

Gen Zers are fiercely independent. And, authenticity is even more important to Gen Z than Millennials. So, avoid content that appears overly polished, and show genuine diversity in all its forms.

They trust trendsetters. Consider leveraging influencer marketing from sources that have earned their respect.

The best marketing approach: be straightforward. Celebrate the individual, and tell them they can be whatever and whoever they want.

Last but not least are the 48-million-and-growing members of Generation Alpha.

By the year 2025, there will be 2 billion of them across the globe.

They will never know a world without smart technology and virtual reality. For the Alpha Gen, the use of tech is like breathing air. It just is.

As always-connected digital natives, they view the world through a collection of screens. They interact with each other and the world around them through social media. As a result, they expect personalized and entertaining experiences.

They engage their tech through voice - typing is so 2010s - and a video definitely gets their attention.

And, they’re already capable of being your help desk. It’s estimated that by the time they are 8, they will pass their parents in tech skills!

What does all this mean?

Be agile and open to change. When it comes to marketing, experiment with tone and content. But, keep your content short. Gen Z and the Alpha Gen don’t have time for your amazing 3-minute video!

Snackable Videos

Try creating 30-second commercials and “snackable videos” - 10 seconds long - to engage the young. Of course, they also got used to Facetiming during Covid. So why not mimic the effect of live videos in your marketing? That’s how kids communicate, after all!

New Social Channels

Reaching kids also means exploring new galaxies in the social media universe. Share school stories on Instagram, Tik-Tok, or Snapchat, keeping the content authentic.

SparXvoice — **Voice Assistants & SprXvoice**

Other changes to digital communications are coming. The shift to mobile devices will soon be followed by another to voice.

Think Alexa and other voice assistants. They are becoming indispensable, and Interactive Schools has developed an app for schools.

School calendar information is a question away with SprXvoice. Families can get instant answers with hands-free simplicity. No more thumbing through mobile phones or outdated (and expensive) printed calendars.

Change is inevitable as new generations embrace emerging technology. But, staying ahead isn't as hard as it may seem. First, get your marketing foundation in place and make data-driven decisions. Then, track what’s working and what’s not. And don't be afraid to innovate.

Our next blog shares how one school - Pine Crest in Florida - is doing just that.

Good luck, and let us know how we can help you!

Move Over Millennials, the #AlphaGen has Arrived!

The generational breakdown looks like this.

Be agile and open to change. When it comes to marketing, experiment with tone and content. But, keep your content short. Gen Z and the Alpha Gen don’t have time for your amazing 3-minute video!

Change is inevitable as new generations embrace emerging technology. But, staying ahead isn't as hard as it may seem. First, get your marketing foundation in place and make data-driven decisions. Then, track what’s working and what’s not. And don't be afraid to innovate.