Following the Footprints

Community Colleges of Spokane was a district made up of two similarly named colleges. Their fragmented identity was holding them back, leaving prospective students confused and the market impact diluted.

Through over 1,300 stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and adaptive surveys, we uncovered a critical insight: while both colleges worked to differentiate themselves, their core values and offerings were remarkably aligned. This focus on separation was unintentionally weakening their impact, making it harder for prospective students to understand and connect with their collective benefit.

We needed to create a cohesive brand that preserved each college’s individuality while reinforcing their shared purpose—one that remained approachable but validated the legitimacy of the colleges, reflected the region’s character, and made it clear how these two institutions worked together.