In 2013, some of the nation's largest and most influential youth development organizations were facing a significant challenge: how to collaborate effectively despite their differing operational rules, cultures, and engagement methods. The presidents and CEOs of these organizations sought a way to work together to enhance their impact in the field of STEM education. However, forging a partnership among such diverse entities required careful planning and facilitation. They turned to Symphonic Strategies to guide this complex process and help them achieve a unified vision.

The client group comprised five prominent national non-profit organizations, each with a long history of serving youth across the United States. These organizations included the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA of the USA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, National 4-H Council, and Girls Inc. Together, they reached millions of young people nationwide, but each operated independently, with their own set of rules and methods. The challenge was to align these organizations around a common goal: increasing STEM literacy and interest among youth, particularly those from underserved communities.

Symphonic Strategies was tasked with designing and facilitating a process that would foster collaboration among these organizations. We began by conducting a thorough analysis of each organization’s strengths, challenges, and operational methods. From this analysis, we developed a strategic framework for collective action, which included the creation of shared principles of action. These principles were designed to ensure executive-level leadership, transparency, uniform measurement, community engagement, and resource exchange among the partners. Our role also involved facilitating numerous stakeholder meetings and design labs, where we guided the partners in developing a bold and innovative collective campaign, eventually named the Imagine Science Campaign.

The implementation process was meticulous and iterative. Over several months, Symphonic Strategies facilitated regular meetings with the CEOs and their representatives, ensuring that the collective goals remained in focus and that each organization’s concerns were addressed. We developed a summer-long pilot program that was launched in 2015 across three cities: Dallas, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; and Orange County, California. Throughout this period, we maintained continuous engagement with the partners, providing strategic guidance and troubleshooting issues as they arose. Our hands-on approach helped maintain momentum and ensured that the implementation was both effective and sustainable.

The collaboration among the five organizations led to several tangible outcomes. The Imagine Science Campaign successfully completed pilot programs in three cities, engaging thousands of youth in STEM activities. In Dallas alone, the program reached over 2,500 youth through various events and programs. The partners were able to create a shared experience during the summer, using an evidence-based, STEM-focused curriculum enriched by positive youth development practices. The campaign also demonstrated the effectiveness of using a shared assessment framework to measure impact and generate insights, particularly regarding what works best for minority girls and other key youth segments. The collective effort not only improved STEM literacy among the participants but also strengthened the relationships between the organizations, creating a model for future collaborations.

The success of the Imagine Science Campaign underscores the importance of strategic collaboration, especially among organizations with different operational cultures. By focusing on shared principles and continuous engagement, Symphonic Strategies helped these organizations achieve more together than they could individually. The campaign not only improved STEM literacy among youth but also provided a replicable model for other collaborative efforts in the non-profit sector.

Are you ready to transform your organization’s impact through strategic collaboration? Contact Symphonic Strategies today to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals and create lasting change in your community.