This summer, UDC launched a bold brand awareness advertising campaign designed to make the university more visible than ever across the District of Columbia. The “Turning Potential into Power” campaign is everywhere, from Metro trains and neighborhood newspapers to the playlists streaming in your earbuds.
And though the ads are eye-catching, this initiative is about much more than signs and digital spots. It’s about reminding DC residents — and the world — of UDC’s unique place as the nation’s second-oldest HBCU and the District’s only public university, all while driving home its message of “Turning Potential into Power.”
Why Now?
The campaign is a direct reflection of UDC’s five-year strategic plan, “Delivering on the Promise,” and one of its key goals of building recognition and pride in the UDC name.
By showing up consistently across trusted platforms such as The Washington Post and The Washington Informer, as well as in everyday spaces such as Metro stations and buses, UDC is sharing its story with people who matter most: District residents, prospective students, alumni and community partners.
Where You’ll See (and Hear) UDC
If you’ve noticed a burst of Firebird red around town lately, you’re not imagining it. Here’s where the campaign has taken flight:
- On the Move: bus wraps and Metro stations, platforms and railcars carrying UDC’s message across all corners of the District
- In Print & Online: full-page ads and digital stories in The Washington Informer and The Washington Post
- On Air: streaming audio ads reaching listeners on Spotify, Pandora and iHeartRadio
Impact on the Community
At its heart, this campaign is about pride and connection:
- For students and families, it positions UDC as a first-choice institution with pathways that meet every need from workforce training to advanced degrees.
- For the community, it reinforces UDC’s impact in neighborhoods across the District.
- For alumni and faculty, it’s a visible reminder that UDC’s story is still unfolding and they are part of something powerful.
For more information on UDC’s campaign, visit udc.edu/power.