Computer Science Teachers Association

With rumors that outsourcing and the "tech bust" could affect the future job market in computer-related careers, the Computer Science Teachers Association needed to make a strong case for keeping computer science education in today’s cramped K–12 curriculum.

Widmeyer was tapped to create a communications plan for CSTA that consisted of a public launch of the organization, followed by a series of tactics to introduce and sustain exposure of the organization. 

We conducted an extensive review of current information on the issue and developed targeted communication materials. These materials served as the “paper launch” of the organization. Soon after the launch, the executive director of the CSTA came to Washington, DC to engage in a series of meetings with education and business organizations and members of the media. 

Results:
The launch and the Washington meetings brought the education community and others a new awareness of the looming computer science education problem. Important relationships were established through meetings with the Business Software Alliance, The Business Roundtable, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Representative George Miller's office. A meeting set up with Associated Press reporter Ben Feller resulted in a wire article that saw over 12,000 hits in publications all over the country.