Case Study The Colorado Springs Schools District 11
What began as a branding challenge became a movement powered by the people who lived the brand every day.
PROJECT NAME:
#WeAreD11: Turning a School District into a Community Movement
DELIVERABLES:
Advertising, Branding, Competitive Analysis & Research, Content & Design, Design, Development, Digital & Broadcast, Digital in Mobile & Web (UI/UX), Full Stack, Integrated Campaigns, Media, Media Buying, Social Media Marketing, Strategy, Strategy & Position
Challenge
  • Despite significant investments in innovative programs, modernized facilities, and expanded learning opportunities, D11 faced a growing perception problem. Many families remained unaware of the district’s transformation and continued to associate D11 with outdated assumptions.
  • At the same time, competition for student enrollment was increasing as families explored charter schools, private schools, and neighboring districts with newer facilities. While individual schools were effectively sharing their own successes, there was no unified narrative connecting these stories under a single district identity.
  • D11 needed more than a marketing campaign. It needed a way to reconnect its community with the reality of the student experience and inspire belief in the future of public education.
Outcome
  • Rather than relying on traditional institutional messaging, #WeAreD11 empowered students, parents, educators, and alumni to tell the story themselves. What began as a branding initiative evolved into a community movement built on authenticity, participation, and shared ownership.
  • The campaign generated more than 25.1 million impressions, 12.3 million video views, over 730,000 engagements, and more than 500 verified enrollment inquiries. By creating opportunities for the community to actively shape the narrative, D11 successfully aligned public perception with the reality of its schools while establishing a sustainable foundation for future advocacy, engagement, and enrollment growth.
  • Most importantly, #WeAreD11 transformed stakeholders from audience members into ambassadors, proving that the most powerful stories are the ones communities tell about themselves.

WeAreD11 Anthem Video

A cinematic launch video featuring authentic student stories and experiences was produced as an always on asset, to establish the emotional foundation of the movement. The video became the cornerstone of the campaign, generating more than 920,000+ views across channels.

Omni-Channel Campaign

Executed an integrated media strategy across search, social, display, video, OTT, and retargeting channels, guiding audiences from awareness to conversion through a coordinated series of touchpoints. The campaign delivered 26M+ impressions, 7M+ reach, 12.3M+ video views, 730,000+ engagements, 243,000 website clicks, and 500+ qualified leads, ensuring District 11 remained visible, relevant, and top-of-mind throughout the enrolment decision-making journey.

Website

WeAreD11.org was born, including a custom “Find Your School” tool helping families discover schools aligned with their students’ interests and goals. The website served as the central destination for engagement and enrollment exploration and a landing page for conversion through the campaign.

School Spirit Contest

A district-wide student video contest inviting students to showcase their D11 experience through original content was launched to drive school spirit. The initiative generated over 250+ participant submissions, 2,500+ likes, and 700+ comments, turning students into active ambassadors while significantly expanding the campaign’s reach through authentic, community-driven storytelling.

Results
26M+ impressions
12.3M+ video views
7M+ reach
730K+ engagements
240K+ website clicks
16,725% VOAS