Alex and Alex

Owens Community College partnered with Madhouse to increase transfer student enrollment and reshape perceptions around starting at a community college. The challenge was to clearly communicate the practical benefits, which include cost savings, flexibility, and strong university partnerships, in a way that felt relevant and compelling to prospective students.

Madhouse introduced a simple but powerful storytelling device: a tale of two students—Alex A and Alex B—who begin their journeys in different places. As their paths unfold in parallel, the film reveals a compelling twist: both arrive at the same destination, equally prepared, but with vastly different financial outcomes. By framing the decision through a relatable, side-by-side comparison, the spot makes the value of starting at Owens clear, memorable, and easy to understand, positioning it as a smart, strategic first step toward a four-year degree.