Education Case Study

Living Classrooms Foundation

THE GOAL

Living Classrooms Foundation (LCF) is non-profit organization that provides experiential education and job training programs for youth. To sustain the programs and facilities, LCF needed to engage in public relations outreach to build awareness and communicate the success of their programs to local constituencies and donors.

THE APPROACH

  • Human Interest Approach - Story ideas for the media were developed around specific education programs, participating educational institutions and personal success.
  • Frequent and timely communication of story ideas and events from LCF.

THE RESULTS

  • LCF is widely recognized in the Baltimore community
  • LCF has expanded its programming and reach to the Washington, D.C. market.
  • The nonprofit's annual fundraiser, Maritime Magic, has become a traditional celebration at LCF’s Inner Harbor campus every September.
  • LCF garners regular coverage by print and broadcast media.

 

Discovery Young Scientist Challenge

THE GOAL

Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI) and Science Service launched the Discovery Young Scientist Challenge to generate interest in science among middle school students. Eighth grade students across the country were invited to compete in the program. WHA was retained to recruit participants through extensive media outreach and disseminate news about semifinalists and finalists.

THE APPROACH

  • Through a comprehensive media relations effort, branded awareness of the contest was increased with strategic messages to targeted audiences focusing on DCI’s commitment to science education for America’s youth.
  • Comprehensive press materials were developed to obtain significant media coverage for the DYSC in the national, regional and local press.
  • Increase applications to the DYSC program through a comprehensive grassroots public relations campaign.

THE RESULTS

  • Generous local and national press coverage for the first-ever Discovery Young Scientist Challenge included ABC News, CBS News Radio, The Associated Press, “Time for Kids,” The Washington Post and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
  • Press materials “opened doors” to local and national media outlets and appealed to varied target audiences, including trade, consumer, education, science and feature reporters.