20 Mar 2026 501 on film

By Kelli Reep

Three University of Central Arkansas students are turning a class assignment into a real-world opportunity for 501 LIFE Magazine.

Chloe London, Madison Bressler and Hayden Weber recently selected 501 LIFE as the focus of a marketing project that includes producing a promotional video and social media strategy for their senior-level business marketing class. The students said the project allows them to apply classroom concepts in a professional setting while supporting a publication rooted in the community.

London said she first became interested in 501 LIFE after noticing the magazine’s office and learning more about its local impact. That initial connection led the group to choose the publication as the subject of their assignment.

“Our goal is to highlight what makes 501 LIFE unique and why it matters to the community,” she said.

As part of the project, the students are developing a video that introduces audiences to the magazine’s mission, storytelling approach and community presence. The finished video will be provided to 501 LIFE for use on its social media platforms in April.

The assignment challenged students to create a campaign that includes both visual storytelling and strategic messaging. The group approached the project by identifying key elements such as audience, purpose and platform, then building a plan around those components.

Bressler said the experience has reinforced the importance of understanding both content and audience.

“We’ve learned how much thought goes into creating something that connects with people,” she said. “It’s not just about making a video. It’s about telling a story that resonates.”

Weber added that working with an established publication brought an added level of professionalism to the project. “It gave us a chance to think beyond the classroom and consider how our work would actually be used,” he said.

The students divided responsibilities based on their strengths, collaborating on planning, filming and editing while also contributing to the overall campaign strategy. The project is expected to be completed later this spring.

In addition to technical skills, the group said the experience helped build confidence as emerging professionals. “Just because we’re in college doesn’t mean we’re not capable of doing professional-level work,” London said. “This project shows that.”

The students also see video as an increasingly important tool in modern marketing, especially when paired with thoughtful strategy. “Video can be really effective when it has a purpose,” Weber said. “It’s about creating something meaningful, not just content for the sake of it.”

For 501 LIFE, the collaboration offers a fresh perspective and a new way to reach audiences. For the students, it provides hands-on experience that will carry into their future careers.