​San Jose, CA -  What do civic engagement and an owl plushie have in common? For the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), the two represent creative and impactful ways to connect with students, families, and the greater Santa Clara County community. 

The two communications campaigns from the SCCOE’s Public Affairs Department were recently awarded by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). This year, the Public Affairs Department received a Golden Achievement Award for the High School Voter Education Weeks Campaign and a Publications and Digital Media Excellence Award for Ollie the Owl. NSPRA’s awards program recognizes superior achievement in meeting strategic goals through high-quality communications and public relations programs. Applications are received from school communicators representing school districts and county offices nationwide. 

The innovative campaigns highlight the department’s commitment to meaningful engagement with the greater Santa Clara County community and those the SCCOE serves. 

One award recognized the department’s hand in High School Voter Education Weeks, a statewide effort localized in each county. Leveraging California High School Voter Education Weeks, an initiative from the 2014 California Assembly Bill 1817, the SCCOE High School Voter Education Campaign aligns with the last full week of April and September. It energized student participation in civic life across the county. Through school visits, interactive materials, and social media outreach, the campaign encouraged students to learn about their voting rights and take steps to become informed future voters. During the 2024 election cycle, more than 7,000 teenagers ages 16 and 17 pre-registered to vote. 

The second award honored a campaign that introduced an owl plushie mascot to the SCCOE and greater community, Ollie. By utilizing social media through the perspective of Ollie, the department enhanced brand visibility, fostered deeper engagement, and expanded reach, creating a more dynamic and relatable connection with the community. Through Ollie, the organization demonstrates the impact of our work on students, families, and educators. Ollie was the topic of a popular school social media podcast, which can be heard at https://socialschool4edu.com/podcast/248/​ 

From inspiring future voters or bringing a mascot to life, these campaigns demonstrate the power of communication to educate, connect, and build community across Santa Clara County.