Age-Friendly University
Marketing Students Show Real-Life Impact of Senior Services
This spring, six students from USF鈥檚 Digital Marketing program are using their skills to support older adults across West Central Florida. As part of a service-learning project, the students selected Senior Connection Center as their nonprofit partner, contributing to marketing efforts for the organization鈥檚 annual Rise & Shine Inspirational Breakfast and Awards Ceremony.
Over the course of the semester, the students will give more than 75 hours of creative and strategic support. Their goal is to increase awareness of the annual event and Senior Connection Center鈥檚 mission to help older adults live independently and safely in their own homes.
The student team is creating social media content, email messaging, digital graphics, and short videos to showcase the real-life impact of Senior Connection Center鈥檚 services, including its Crisis Fund for older adults facing urgent needs. Students will also track engagement and performance metrics to better understand how digital outreach connects people to essential resources. They are working under the leadership of Dr. Loran Jarrett, Associate Professor of Instruction and American Marketing Association faculty advisor
This collaboration reflects USF鈥檚 commitment to age-friendly initiatives and meaningful community engagement. By linking classroom learning with real-world impact, students gain professional experience while helping strengthen support for older adults across the community.
The Senior Connection Center is a non-profit organization serving Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. Its mission is to help seniors and adults with disabilities live independently by connecting them to resources, including in-home care, meal programs, and legal aid. To contribute or attend its inspirational Rise & Shine breakfast in Tampa on May 19, go here: