Case Study: Upward Bound improves student engagement and saves hours with MessageDesk

How Upward Bound uses MessageDesk to schedule text message broadcasts and keep connected to over 100 students and staff

Upward Bound, a college preparation program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, faced the challenge of staying connected with over 100 students during the pandemic. Their previous methods of phone calls and emails were ineffective and time-consuming. They needed a dedicated SMS solution to send group messages and receive individual replies without using personal phones. This led them to the vendor, MessageDesk, to implement a business-focused text messaging service.

MessageDesk provided a shared team inbox and a dedicated phone line for mass text broadcasts and automations. This allowed Upward Bound's staff to schedule messages, organize contacts, and share links for event RSVPs. The solution saved the team hours each week, improved student attendance and engagement, and resulted in receiving nearly 40 responses to a survey within 30 minutes of sending it via MessageDesk.

Upward Bound

Kennedy Jewell

Academic Coordinator