Case Study: Spark Program

Using the web to create real-world opportunities.

Business goals
Spark is a nonprofit organization that operates summer and after-school programs to match students with apprenticeships in professions of their choice at local workplaces. They plan to expand from the Bay Area throughout the U.S. 

Visitor objectives
Potential visitors include students, parents, volunteers, funders and the media. Each audience needs to quickly find information that speaks to their particular needs.

Our approach
Although each audience may be looking for different information about Spark, the heart of the site is the unique apprentice stories. That's where Spark connects on an emotional level with visitors.

The new site is designed to:

• Encourage adults to nurture the next generation through mentoring
  Inspire curiosity. Fulfill dreams. Volunteer with Spark
• Inspire donors, from individuals, to foundations, to local companies
  In-depth information about Spark builds credibility
• Tell students' stories
  Kids talk about the impact Spark has had on their lives

Results
Spark recently won the prestigious Draper Richards Fellowship, one of the top awards for non-profits in the world. In a global search, the Draper Richards Foundation chose Spark as one of the four highest-growth/highest-potential non-profits.

What role did their website play in building Spark's credibility? "Absolutely vital says Co-Founder and Executive Director, Chris Balme. "We love the site! It has given us a huge advantage.