Case Study: Yale Alumni Association achieves a vibrant virtual campus for alumni‑student networking with PeopleGrove

Campus is more than bricks and mortar: How Yale brings their gathering space online with PeopleGrove

The Yale Alumni Association faced the challenge of recreating the social and mentoring functions of campus life when COVID‑19 made in‑person gatherings impossible. Partnering with PeopleGrove, the association launched Cross Campus (powered by PeopleGrove) to give alumni and students a single online gathering space that preserves Yale’s campus spirit while addressing long‑standing needs for career preparation, mentoring, and networking across a global alumni network.

PeopleGrove’s Cross Campus platform provides structured mentor–mentee connections, one‑off advice exchanges, and interest‑based groups so Yalies can connect, support career and personal transitions, and build community despite physical distance. According to the case study, the initiative immediately enabled virtual mentoring and networking and was described by Yale leadership as a “game‑changer”; the write‑up reports qualitative impact and leadership endorsement but does not include specific numeric metrics.

Yale Alumni Association

Weili Cheng

Executive Director