Consultancy program tallies its biggest impact yet

Students meet with alumni and current Consultancy client Zac Murphy, who now works with Washington state’s office of education.

Communication Leadership’s core value of “Service to Community” is probably best exemplified in our student-led Consulting Program. This program delivers affordable communication expertise to mission-driven organizations like nonprofits and small businesses –- powered by the dedication of UW graduate students. . 

A newly-compiled Impact Report illustrates just how far this work grown:

Over the past year, the Consultancy engaged 103 students in real-world projects, delivering tangible results through 96 projects for over 76 unique organizations. Notably, the program secured $72,700 USD in funding for these students, a testament to the value of their work. You can check out the full impact report here.

Witnessing community challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, student leaders responded to the need and initiated the Consultancy program, which was seamlessly integrated into existing applied learning initiatives offered to students. The resulting program is now a signature element of our educational mission, setting UW apart from other professional graduate programs, and drawing students from around the globe. 

Guided by a vision to be a transformative force in the field of communication, we aspire to shape a future where students have abundant opportunities to apply classroom skills in ways that not only enhance their education but also contribute meaningfully to the community. 

For our community partners, we aim to serve as the gateway to best-practice methodologies in communication that might not otherwise be accessible. The insights and services students provide have been truly transformative for organizations of all kinds, from small family-owned beauty supply stores to influential offices in the state government, and everything in between.