The first report of a targeted discount for only specific classes will set a new trend in targeted discounts for the field.
We’ve had Early-Bird Discounts in our field forever. And forever, they have worked. In fact, any Discount works if you design it correctly.
But what’s new is Forest Hills Public Schools Community Education in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is offering the Early-Bird Discount only for specific classes. This is part of a greater effort in the field to fill more seats for specific classes that have space for more participants. And also to NOT just put more people on a frustrating wait list for those classes that you know will be sold out.
The head of community education, Melissa Hinken, has put the discount bird icon in front of those classes in the brochure that qualify for the discount. And those classes that presumably fill or are profitable anyway do not have the discount. It’s brilliant, and the first of a trend towards targeted discounts.
The innovation won Ms. Hinken and Forest Hills Community Education a LERN International Award for 2026.
