Virginia’s Community College System (VCCS) received a Bronze Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for the “Find Your Answer” campaign, a statewide initiative developed in partnership with The Hodges Partnership and AccessU.

The Bronze Anvil recognizes outstanding tactical public relations programs that deliver exceptional return on investment. Among national competitors in the Paid Promotions category, VCCS earned the sole Bronze Anvil designation at the 2026 awards.

While VCCS serves nearly half of Virginia’s public undergraduate students, many prospective students underestimated the value of community college pathways. The campaign met that perception gap by combining broadcast, connected TV, digital and targeted placements across military bases and regional workforce audiences. For VCCS, these were entirely new channels.

The campaign contributed to 5.1% year-over-year enrollment growth in Fall 2025, reversing a decade-long decline across the system.

“This recognition reflects what’s possible when strategy, creativity and mission alignment come together,” said Tony Pearman, president and CEO of AccessU. “We’re proud to have contributed to work that’s opening doors for students across Virginia.”

At AccessU, we build communications strategies that move people to act. The Find Your Answer campaign is a demonstration of what that looks like at scale with authentic storytelling, precise audience targeting and a message built around what prospective students need to hear.