Organization: Work Acheivement Values Education (WAVE)

Situation
Summary background of the organization
WAVE is a youth development program implemented in community organizations, classrooms, and after-school settings to help young people who have dropped out of school complete their education, improve employability, and find jobs or go on to college. WAVE has been successfully implemented into more than 200 communities and is heading toward a major fundraising campaign.

Obstacles
The communication challenges faced
This group needed an identity, both visually and with text that accurately reflected their mission. Their materials were “ad hoc” and lacked uniformity and presence. The group had a critical need to illustrate diversity in their photo choices.

Design Response
The steps and solution taken by the CreateAThon design team
After the initial consult, the design team assisted WAVE by recommending a different approach than that identified by the group—one that would not only introduce the organization to new audiences, but play a key role in their upcoming fundraising activities. Starting with a short brochure, the design team also produced a pocket folder design, as well as page templates for in-house multiple uses. To reflect the diversity of audiences served, art direction services provided a clear picture of the young people that they do help.