Last fall, Eastern, in coordination with the Willimantic Downtown Neighborhood Association (WDNA), released “Eastern Passport,” a rewards and discount booklet aimed at strengthening economic ties between downtown Willimantic and the Eastern student community.

This spring, Eastern Passport is going digital, streamlining the process for students to receive discounts at local businesses. The move came after a feedback survey, consisting of residential students, unearthed enthusiasm for the program yet voiced a desire for digital access to rewards and discounts.

More than 500 students have already made the switch, with the passport being available through both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Students can use the passport to earn exclusive rewards, deals, and discounts at local businesses throughout Willimantic.

Students with physical passports are still able to use them by presenting them with a valid student ID at participating businesses.

Eastern students can sign up for the digital passport using this link, providing their student email and completing a short email verification and questionnaire. They will then be prompted to add the passport to their digital wallet of choice.

To use the passport, students simply display the passport through their digital wallet during checkout at participating businesses.

Students can also view current and past notifications through the digital wallet to stay up to date on business developments within the community.

“Technology is evolving quickly,” said University Communications and Marketing Director Ryan Quigley. He noted that the service also allows students to receive push notifications about limited-time deals at local businesses and new business developments within the community.

Quigley continued: “It’s not an app, and all data is protected through Apple and Google’s security.”

Getting connected with the Willimantic community

Senior social work major Sarah Duffy spearheaded Eastern Passport’s development and implementation while working as a student employee with University Communications and Marketing.

“We included more than 20 businesses in the Passport, with deals on everything from tacos to sunglasses,” she said.

Through developing the program, Duffy’s eyes were opened to the many small businesses that comprise Willimantic’s vibrant scene. “It’s not just about the discounts; it’s about getting off campus to explore Willimantic and supporting a community that supports us,” she said.

Chris McNaboe, chair of the WDNA, envisions a close relationship between Eastern students and Willimantic’s small businesses. “This program not only supports local businesses but helps students feel more connected to the place where they live, learn, and, hopefully, stay for years to come,” she said.

For an up-to-date list of businesses participating in the Eastern Passport program, click here.