Many brands see scholarships as a form of goodwill, but they can be so much more. By hosting a scholarship on ScholarshipOwl.com, brands gain access to valuable consumer insights, generate leads, and build long-term customer loyalty. Our recent student laptop survey is a perfect example of how brands can leverage scholarships for strategic growth.
Scholarships as a Market Research Tool
When we conducted a survey as part of a scholarship initiative, we uncovered powerful data on student laptop preferences. These insights showed which brands students currently use and which brands they plan to buy next. Brands that leverage this type of research can:
- Understand brand loyalty trends – Apple saw a 15.64% increase in future purchase intent, while competitors like HP and Dell saw declines. Companies can use this data to assess their position in the market.
- Identify potential customer shifts – Microsoft showed growth potential, signaling an opportunity for targeted marketing efforts.
- Recognize gaps in the market – 7.01% of students don’t own a laptop, yet only 2.26% plan to remain without one. This suggests a segment of first-time buyers that brands could target with entry-level products.
Lead Generation and Customer Acquisition
Beyond data, scholarships provide a direct path to building relationships with future consumers. By offering a scholarship, brands:
- Capture first-party data – Brands gain opt-in access to a list of students interested in their industry or products.
- Engage students at a key decision-making stage – Many students are in the process of making purchasing decisions for their first laptop, software, or tech setup. Connecting with them early can shape brand preferences.
- Build an email and marketing funnel – Scholarship applicants become valuable leads that brands can nurture through email marketing, promotions, and educational content.
Long-Term Brand Loyalty
When a company helps fund a student’s education, it fosters trust and loyalty. Brands that invest in students today create customers for life. Here’s how:
- Positive brand association – A scholarship aligns a company with education, ambition, and opportunity, making students more likely to favor its products.
- Word-of-mouth marketing – Scholarship winners and applicants share their experiences, creating organic brand advocacy.
- Recurring engagement – Brands can maintain relationships with past scholarship applicants, offering exclusive discounts, student programs, or ambassador opportunities.
Why Brands Should Use ScholarshipOwl.com
ScholarshipOwl.com makes hosting a scholarship seamless while maximizing its impact. Companies benefit from:
- Targeted student reach – Access thousands of students already seeking opportunities.
- Effortless management – Our platform handles applications, filtering, and selection, allowing brands to focus on engagement.
- Data and insights – Get custom survey results, like our laptop brand study, to fuel marketing strategies.
Replace Goodwill with Growth
Scholarships are more than just a charitable initiative—they are a strategic tool for customer acquisition and brand loyalty. Companies that invest in students through ScholarshipOwl.com gain valuable insights, generate high-intent leads, and create lasting connections with future buyers.
Interested in launching a scholarship that fuels your brand’s growth? Contact us to get started!
