In 1989, Arlene Gibson encouraged heads of girls' day schools to convene at that year's Headmistresses Association of the East conference. Resulting from the meeting was the formation of a steering committee, which hired in 1990 Yankelovich, Shulman, and Clancy as research consultants. Commissioned by CGDS, the firm surveyed 1,200 girls' school graduates. Half of those surveyed graduated between 1955 and 1960; the others between 1975 and 1980. The study confirmed many of the same conclusions of the CGBS report. Graduates cited strong preparation for college and personal development as key benefits they received from their all-girls education. CGDS used these findings to develop a major media campaign showcasing the positive attitudes of girls' school alumnae.