NextGrad Partners with Vistar Media to Enhance Digital Out-of-Home Advertising in High Schools

NextGrad, North America’s largest and only higher education advertising network operating exclusively inside high schools, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Vistar Media, the leading global provider of out-of-home (OOH) media. This collaboration enables NextGrad to leverage Vistar’s end-to-end digital out-of-home (DOOH) technology stack across its network of over 1,100 high schools in the United States and Canada.

With NextGrad now fully integrated with Vistar’s Ad Server, Player, and supply-side platform (SSP) in the U.S., the partnership is already driving significant improvements in network efficiency and advertiser experience. Expansion into Canada is underway and is expected to be completed in 2025.

“Our mission at NextGrad is to provide students with exposure to higher education, career, and military pathways that they might not have otherwise considered,” said Michael Margolies, President & CEO of NextGrad. “By switching our entire network to Vistar Media’s enterprise technology, we’ve not only improved efficiency but also created a more seamless experience for advertisers and school partners alike. This partnership is a game-changer for our ability to scale and deliver impactful messaging to students nationwide.”

NextGrad’s network generates more than 1.3 billion annual impressions, offering advertisers unparalleled access to Gen Z and Gen Alpha students. Through Vistar’s advanced DOOH technology, NextGrad has unlocked key operational efficiencies, including faster content management, enhanced reporting capabilities, and increased reliability in school environments. The transition from NextGrad’s previous content management system to Vistar’s platform was completed in just 90 days, marking a major leap in performance and ease of use.

“Vistar Media’s technology is helping us operate at a whole new level,” Margolies continued. “Previously, managing our network was a slow and cumbersome process. With Vistar, we’ve gained the speed, security, and support needed to focus on what matters most—delivering value to our advertising partners and the students we serve.”

NextGrad’s digital advertising kiosks are strategically placed in high schools, delivering targeted content throughout the academic year. With Vistar’s robust technology, NextGrad can securely manage its inventory, distribute ads with precision, monitor network performance, and enhance the overall advertising experience for its partners, which include colleges, universities, and military organizations.

“This partnership is a significant milestone for NextGrad as we continue to expand our presence in high schools across North America,” said Brady Brown, Marketing Director at NextGrad. “Vistar Media’s industry-leading solutions allow us to provide a smarter, more effective platform for brands looking to engage the next generation.”

To learn more about NextGrad’s high school advertising network and how this partnership with Vistar Media is shaping the future of DOOH in education, visit NextGrad.com.