Students in the After School Program show off their Subway gift cards. In their midst are Sarah Declar and Kristin Marsoli of Catapult Marketing.
Students in the After School Program at Family & Children’s Agency became “marketing assistants” last month, as Catapult Marketing representatives presented them with the challenge of introducing new colors of the popular candy M&Ms. The students, all from Norwalk middle schools, worked in small groups with a Catapult “coach” to plan a marketing campaign that would reach their target audiences through television, Internet sites, mobile communications, and other vehicles. After the brainstorming session, each set of students presented ideas to the larger group.
Kristin Marsoli of Catapult began by talking about the purpose of marketing and explaining some of the typical jobs in the company. She noted, “I didn’t know what to expect going in, but the kids jumped right in and started shouting out ideas. Their energy was contagious…and I was amazed at how much they got into it. We may have found ourselves some future marketers!”
As a “reward” for their hard work on the marketing plans, each one of the students received a gift card for Subway, a Catapult Marketing client. The professionals obviously enjoyed working with the students. As Moira Lynch of Catapult said, “This was an amazing experience. I don’t know who had more fun – me or the kids.”
Catapult Marketing is an international agency specializing in action-based marketing, which aims to influence what people actually do, rather than what they think or say they will do. In addition to Subway, their clients include Triaminic, Lysol, Perdue, and Intuit, among others. In addition to Ms. Lynch and Ms. Marsoli, the group from Catapult Marketing included Sarah Declar, Jena Newman and Devon O’Neill. They are all based in the firm’s Westport office.
The After School Program, which provides academic and enrichment experiences for students in Norwalk middle schools, is part of the Center for Youth Development at Family & Children’s Agency (FCA). Jennifer Barahona, Director of CYD, expressed appreciation for the program from Catapult Marketing, noting, “It’s always great to have a ‘real world’ program for our students. They gain exposure to professionals who talk about their work and their careers, giving the students an opportunity to start developing ideas and goals for themselves.”
Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) is a non-profit human service organization meeting the needs of more than 10,000 individuals – including children, adults, and families – throughout Fairfield County. Skills professionals serve clients in seven impact areas, including family strengthening, foster care, adoption, behavioral health, homeless services, and services for seniors, in addition to youth development. For more information on FCA programs and services, visit www.familyandchildrensagency.org or call Family & Children’s Agency at 203-855-8765.
