This case study shows how we applied our Social Impact Storytelling™ approach and detailed planning to produce an impactful video story asset for Cristo Rey Boston (CRB) High School’s mission and 20th-anniversary celebration (2024). This was our third year in a row working with CRB on video storytelling.

This information is the result of our onboarding and design phase. The final deliverables are poised to enhance CRB’s marketing efforts, fundraising and capital campaigns, and relationships with key stakeholders and supporters.

Background

Cristo Rey Boston (CRB) is a tuition-free, college-prep high school in Dorchester serving a culturally diverse and aspirational student body with demonstrated economic need. This collaboration aimed to:

Grow the student body by leveraging partner and sponsor resources.
Increase investment in critical infrastructure.
Celebrate its 20th anniversary and acknowledge key contributors.
Build a sustainable endowment for the future.

Understanding the Audience / Insight

The main audiences were CRB’s current and potential funders, donors, and corporate partners. In our Analysis & Strategy design process, we help clients like CRB connect the dots between “audiences” and “actions” by clarifying what matters most to their audiences and what compels them to take action.

Interview Guide Insights:

Discuss the CRB model and its impact on students and the community.
Highlight personal stories of success and transformation.
Emphasize the importance of community and corporate partnerships.
Share visions for CRB’s future and continued growth.

Story Style / Vibe

The video and associated materials were designed to reflect CRB’s character: authentic, insightful, and inspirational. The speakers, supporting visuals, pacing, and music are all crafted to show CRB’s mission and multifaceted model focused on student dignity and empathy.

Selecting Speakers:

We guided CRB in curating a range of speakers who can authentically and compellingly share their experiences, so that the story can convey CRB’s unique model, milestones, and members, from alumni to early sponsors.

Franklin Lopez (Senior, Class of 2024): Discussing his journey at CRB, future goals, and family support.

Rosemary Powers (President): Highlighting the unique aspects of CRB, key contributions, and future vision.

Kati Fernandez (Alum, Class of 2011): Reflecting on her CRB experience and its impact on her career.

Martin J. Walsh (Honoree): Sharing his connection to CRB and its significance in the community.

Tom O’Neill (Founding trustee: Chair, Emeritus): Discussing the start of CRB and the importance of its unique corporate work-study program.

Success Metrics / KPI

The story’s success is measured by how it can educate and emotionally engage viewers about CRB’s unique model and impacts, expand partnerships and investments, and convey a vision for future infrastructure and sustainability.

Cristo Rey Boston High School: Case Study

The video story was a feature presentation at Cristo Rey Boston’s Academic Signing Day Fundraising Event in May 2024, where the school raised over $1.1 million for student scholarships.