In 2005, Crossroads Second Chance North School program, a Fulton County, GA alternative school was not welcome in the prestigious Roswell, Georgia community. Because the school is a discipline program for students tribunaled from the public school system, there was public outcry. Neighbors did not approve of its location amid thriving businesses and historical sites in the area. The ability to turn the program around was limited by low funding and impounded by a virtually non-existent learning curriculum.
Challenge: When Dr. Alicia Borishade was appointed as principal in 2005, Novel Brand was hired to address community relations, improve internal communications, build business partnerships and acquire support for a progressive service-learning curriculum.
Solution: Novel Brand executed an integrated communications strategy that includes public relations, community outreach and internal communications. At the same time, we helped to write a national grant that secured a four-year budget to implement National Learn and Serve program, in which students plan and manage projects to serve various community charities and initiatives.
Four years later, business partnerships and community support have allowed the school to execute several successful community projects, including: literacy and GED programs; historical preservation projects; a community greenhouse and garden; fundraiders, etc.
In addition to several community partnerships and ongoing support, Crossroads is now recognized nationally, being called upon to speak and advise on service learning programs and alternative education.
Case Study:
Crossroads North Alternative School
Transforming a struggling local program to a nationally modeled service-learning institution
novel brand communications
novel brand communications
© Novel Brand Communications, 2011. All rights reserved.
Community relations, media relations and ommunication skills development helped catapult Crossroads to national recognition.
