Case Study: Remote Worker Community Pilot at Purdue University [September 2021]
By MakeMyMove Staff • Sep 28, 2021 UTC
MakeMyMove was pleased to partner with the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) in May 2021 to create and launch a first-of-its-kind remote worker community at Purdue University. Understanding the meaningful value remote workers could represent in the form of economic output, academic and community contribution, the goal for the initial trial was modest - recruit 10 remote workers to relocate to and work from the campus’ Discovery Park District.
MakeMyMove’s Role
The MakeMyMove team supported PRF and the remote workers from start to finish. Services include:
- Program Design in collaboration with PRF
- ROI Modeling and Pro-forma
- Creative Services - Messaging Design
- Marketing Strategy and Execution
- Earned Media Strategy and Execution
- Candidate Recruitment and Support Services throughout Relocation
- Account Management and Reporting
Eligibility and Incentive Offer
Eligible candidates must have full-time remote employment status and relocate to West Lafayette from outside of the state of Indiana.
The incentive program funded by PRF includes:
- $5,000 stipends for select, qualified candidates who relocate to live & work in Discovery Park District.
- Networking events, professional development programming, and entrepreneurial services through the Foundry.
- 50% discount on Touchdown Desk membership at Convergence co-working space.
- Free membership with Greater Lafayette Commerce
- Special access and discounts on new housing developments (i.e. Provenance, Continuum).
- Discounts on select continued education programs through Purdue University and Purdue Online.
- Discounted gym memberships at Parkwest Fitness
- Access to Purdue University Library.
- Relocation help desk services from MakeMyMove
The Results
Within 5 months, the team created and launched the campaign, and recruited and relocated 9 candidates to Purdue’s remote worker program. Seven to ten more remote workers are expected to relocate before the end of 2021. Among the movers,
- The group represents nearly $2 Million in annual income,
- The cohort boasts a higher representation of people of color compared to the West Lafayette community at large,
- Fourteen are brand new to the region, with no previous connection to Purdue or the surrounding area,
- Candidates work in technology, data, finance and sales;
- One candidate writes children’s books with a STEM focus.
Having exceeded our initial goals in both quantity and quality of remote workers relocating to Purdue, the initiative has just received significant backing, allowing MakeMyMove to really accelerate the work. We look forward to our continued partnership with Purdue University and the Purdue Research Foundation.
About MakeMyMove
Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.
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