Content Strategy and Storytelling For Impact with DREAMS+DUCATS

Overview

DREAMS+DUCATS is redefining how young people engage with education by blending creativity, culture, and real-world application to make learning more meaningful. While their programs were already making an impact, they needed a clearer, more compelling way to showcase their success to funders, partners, and educators.

The Challenge

DREAMS+DUCATS had built strong programs and deep relationships, but their story wasn’t landing in a way that drove action. Stakeholders believed in their mission but needed tangible proof of impact—a way to see the transformation in action through clear, shareable narratives.

My Role & Approach

1. Case Study: Helix High School’s Entrepreneurship Pathway

Helix High School had an entrepreneurship program, but students weren’t getting the real-world skills and creative exposure they needed to take ownership of their ideas. DREAMS+DUCATS reimagined the pathway, ensuring students gained practical business knowledge, hands-on experience, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

To capture this transformation, I developed a case study that:

• Synthesized qualitative and quantitative data from students, administrators, and staff.

• Highlighted key moments of impact, showcasing how the program evolved to better serve students.

• Positioned DREAMS+DUCATS as a catalyst for change, creating a compelling narrative funders and partners could rally behind.

2. Content Strategy & Website Refinement

The impact was there, but the website wasn’t telling the story in a way that made engagement easy. I worked on:

• Clarifying messaging so visitors immediately understood the mission and work.

• Sharpening calls to action so funders, partners, and educators knew exactly how to get involved.

• Refining key content areas to make the site more strategic and aligned with DREAMS+DUCATS' growth goals.

3. Facilitation & Community Engagement

Beyond content, I served as a facilitator for the ALT-FUTURES program, a partnership between DREAMS+DUCATS and Future is Color. This initiative introduces students to personal branding, design, and creative careers. I led an ALT-FUTURES session at Helix High School and San Diego State University, guiding students in understanding how their skills and experiences shape their professional paths.

The Impact

With a clear, compelling case study and refined messaging, DREAMS+DUCATS is now better positioned to:

• Attract funding by demonstrating tangible results

• Deepen partnerships with organizations that align with their mission

• Scale their work to impact more students and educators

Their programs have always been transformative. Now they have the storytelling and strategy to match.