Education Coordinator Grant Proposal - Revision history

Rfs at 16:10, 26 August 2011

2011-08-26T16:10:10Z

Ali: categorized

2010-07-06T20:05:57Z

categorized

Kermjensen: /* '''Summary''' */

2007-02-23T03:28:24Z

'''Summary'''

Joshkeen at 01:19, 12 February 2007

2007-02-12T01:19:51Z

Joshkeen at 01:16, 12 February 2007

2007-02-12T01:16:11Z

Joshkeen at 01:09, 12 February 2007

2007-02-12T01:09:21Z

Joshkeen at 17:58, 8 February 2007

2007-02-08T17:58:28Z

Rfs: /* Goals and Measurable Outcomes */

2007-01-09T20:06:10Z

Goals and Measurable Outcomes

Joshkeen at 18:20, 9 January 2007

2007-01-09T18:20:43Z

Joshkeen at 15:59, 9 January 2007

2007-01-09T15:59:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 26 August 2011
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	[[Category:Education]]		[[Category:Education]]
−	[[Category:~~Grants~~]]	+	[[Category:Grantwriting]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:05, 6 July 2010
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	== See Also ==		== See Also ==
	[[Education (PPS)]]		[[Education (PPS)]]
		+
		+	[[Category:Education]]
		+	[[Category:Grants]]

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 Free Geek Community Technology Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation powered by hundreds of volunteers who recycle or rebuild older, donated computers that would otherwise end up in landfills as toxic electronic waste. The National Safety Council estimates that 250 million personal computers will become obsolete within the next 5 years, contaminating our landfills with 3.2 million tons of e-waste. The Oregonian recently reported that 32,500 tons of  electronics were discarded in 2005 alone. Over the last six years, Free Geek has recycled approximately 1000 tons of computer scrap and rebuilt over 6400 internet-ready computer systems. These systems were given to volunteers in exchange for 24 hours of work in the recycling operation (the 24 Hour Adoption Program), or after they built 5 computers from parts the still worked (The Build Program). Refurbished computers are also donated to other non-profits, or sold in our thrift store.
-Free Geek was also founded to brigde the “digital divide” between wealthy and low-income households. The Commerce Department has estimated that low-income households are 20 times less likely to have internet access than those whose income is $75,000 or higher. An essential part of Free Geek's mission is to provide free computer education. Free Geek is uniquely situated for this as we already attract volunteers that have extensive hardware and programming knowledge as well as volunteers with personal initiative and a desire to learn. We also have the benefit of our location in Portland Oregon, an important hub of the Linux/Unix free software community.
+Free Geek was also founded to bridge the “digital divide” between wealthy and low-income households. The Commerce Department has estimated that low-income households are 20 times less likely to have internet access than those whose income is $75,000 or higher. An essential part of Free Geek's mission is to provide free computer education. Free Geek is uniquely situated for this as we already attract volunteers that have extensive hardware and programming knowledge as well as volunteers with personal initiative and a desire to learn. We also have the benefit of our location in Portland Oregon, an important hub of the Linux/Unix free software community.
 == Proposal/Statement of Need ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 == '''Summary''' ==
-Free Geek Community Technology Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation powered by hundreds of volunteers who recycle or rebuild older, donated computers that would otherwise end up in landfills as toxic electronic waste. The National Safety Council estimates that 250 million personal computers will become obsolete within the next 5 years, contaminating our landfills with 3.2 million tons of e-waste. Oregon discarded 32,500 tons of  electronics in 2005 alone. Over the last six years, Free Geek has recycled approximately 1000 tons of computer scrap and rebuilt over 6400 internet-ready computer systems. These systems were given to volunteers in exchange for 24 hours of work in the recycling operation (the 24 Hour Adoption Program), or after they built 5 computers from parts the still worked (The Build Program). Refurbished computers are also donated to other non-profits, or sold in our thrift store.
+Free Geek Community Technology Center is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation powered by hundreds of volunteers who recycle or rebuild older, donated computers that would otherwise end up in landfills as toxic electronic waste. The National Safety Council estimates that 250 million personal computers will become obsolete within the next 5 years, contaminating our landfills with 3.2 million tons of e-waste. The Oregonian recently reported that 32,500 tons of  electronics were discarded in 2005 alone. Over the last six years, Free Geek has recycled approximately 1000 tons of computer scrap and rebuilt over 6400 internet-ready computer systems. These systems were given to volunteers in exchange for 24 hours of work in the recycling operation (the 24 Hour Adoption Program), or after they built 5 computers from parts the still worked (The Build Program). Refurbished computers are also donated to other non-profits, or sold in our thrift store.
 Free Geek was also founded to brigde the “digital divide” between wealthy and low-income households. The Commerce Department has estimated that low-income households are 20 times less likely to have internet access than those whose income is $75,000 or higher. An essential part of Free Geek's mission is to provide free computer education. Free Geek is uniquely situated for this as we already attract volunteers that have extensive hardware and programming knowledge as well as volunteers with personal initiative and a desire to learn. We also have the benefit of our location in Portland Oregon, an important hub of the Linux/Unix free software community.
@@ Line 59: / Line 59: @@
 '''Goal 2:''' The Education Coordinator will will co-facilitate Computers for Kids (CFORK), a modified version of the Build and 24 Hour Adoption programs for elementary students.
 '''Objectives:'''
@@ Line 76: / Line 77: @@
 '''Goal 3:''' The education coordinator will expand the scope of Build Program.
 '''Objectives:'''
@@ Line 90: / Line 92: @@
 '''Goal 4:''' The education coordinator will facilitate ongoing staff education.
 '''Objectives:'''
@@ Line 98: / Line 101: @@
 . Develop staff training resources for new or modified positions.
 '''Outcomes:'''

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 *Graghic design.
 .Organize all classes according to the timetable (see below).
@@ Line 48: / Line 50: @@
 '''Outcomes:'''
-. The classes will enhance the Build and 24 Hour Adoption programs, which will attract more participants, since some of these classes will be offered as options for volunteers who have completed these Program. This should significantly increase recycling capacity. Although education is central to Free Geek's mission, success of the program will be partially evaluated by the effect on revenue.
+. The classes will enhance the Build and 24 Hour Adoption programs, which will attract more participants, since some of these classes will be offered as options for volunteers who have completed these Programs. This will significantly increase recycling capacity. Although education is central to Free Geek's mission, success of the program will be partially evaluated by the effect on revenue.
 . More education will take pressure off tech support. Adopters will be more able to solve problems they may have with their new systems. Formal classes will help relieve core staff form education-oriented tasks they are now doing informally.
@@ Line 81: / Line 83: @@
 . Expand optional educational materials for builders. There will be increased opportunities within the Build Program for volunteers to learn more about the hardware and software they are working with.
-. Offer "Enterprise" Build. This will be a post-Build Program option for advanced Builders. Classes on high end network hardware will be offered for a fee. The classes will be taught by a paid instructor but the education coordinator will help integrate the teaching materials with the rest of the education program.
+'''Outcomes:'''
-'''Outcomes:'''
+. Free Geek will refurbish more Macs and laptops.
-.
+. More volunteers will be attracted to the program.
 '''Goal 4:''' The education coordinator will facilitate ongoing staff education.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 Free Geek’s Build and Recycling programs are designed to reward the initiative of people who lack the resources to buy a computer, but are willing to work for one. Similarly, many people come to Free Geek who have little or no prior computer knowledge, but a desire to learn the basic architecture of a computer system.
-Although informal education is embraced in FREE GEEK's culture, we have found that there is a high demand for more formal, structured learning. We formalized the Build program in 2003 by creating manuals and training procedures for builders and volunteer build instructors. We began offering a command line class (navigation in a non-graphic environment) and a basic use class for our 24 adopters. Word spread that Free Geek was a place not only to get a free computer but also free hardware training. We saw a dramatic surge in interest in the Build program. By 2005 the number of participants increased from 768 to 1400.
+Although informal education is embraced in the FREE GEEK culture, there is a high demand for more structured learning.  In 2003 the Build program was formalized with manuals and training procedures for builders and volunteer build instructors. Free Geek began offering a command line class (navigation in a non-graphic environment) and a basic use class for 24 adopters. Word spread that Free Geek was a place not only to get a free computer but also free hardware training. Interest in the Build program surged. By 2005 the number of participants increased from 768 to 1400. This in turn greatly increased our productive capacity since builders evaluate whether donated systems will be used or recycled and then harvest working parts.
-Soon after the formalization of the Build Program in 2003, financial circumstances forced us to make changes. We decided to focus on becoming self-sustaining in our basic operations. It paid off in that Free Geek now funds its own recycling operation (please see included annual report). We are now in a position to expand our operations. We are applying for funds to renovate our facility and purchase a steel/cardboard baler, which will nearly triple the value of the recycled materials we sell.
+Soon after the formalization of the Build Program in 2003, financial circumstances forced Free Geek to scale back programs that were not directly generating revenue. These cuts paid off in that Free Geek now funds its own recycling operation (please see included annual report), however the education coordinator position was cut. This was especially difficult since the education coordinator developed the materials for the formalization of the build program, and therefore helped  Free Geek achieve sustainability. We are asking for $20,000 to fund an education coordinator for the first year until operations grow enough to cover costs (please see sustainabilty section).
 == Goals and Measurable Outcomes ==
@@ Line 24: / Line 23: @@
 '''Objectives:'''
-.Recruit volunteer teachers.
+.Recruit and train volunteer teachers.
 .Develop curricula , including web-based teaching resources. This will include:
@@ Line 37: / Line 36: @@
 *Self-sufficiency in a Linux/Unix environment.
 .Organize all classes according to the timetable (see below).
@@ Line 45: / Line 48: @@
 '''Outcomes:'''
-.The classes will enhance the Build and 24 Hour programs, which will attract more participants. At least 50% of new volunteers will also register for classes. Success of the program will be partially evaluated by the effect on revenue. As recycling capacity increases with a growing number of volunteers, the costs of the education coordinator position will be defrayed.
+. The classes will enhance the Build and 24 Hour Adoption programs, which will attract more participants, since some of these classes will be offered as options for volunteers who have completed these Program. This should significantly increase recycling capacity. Although education is central to Free Geek's mission, success of the program will be partially evaluated by the effect on revenue.
-.Free Geek will become an even broader resource for computer education for the community at large and our donation base will expand. We expect that students who are able to make a donation will likely do so. The level of donations made by students will help evaluate the program’s success, as well as defray the cost of an education coordinator over time. Voluntary donations made by people dropping of computers now comprise a significant proportion of general operating revenue, so people are likely to chip in for the classes. At the same time, the classes will remain free so that we are sure to reach low-income participants on the wrong end of the digital divide.
+. Free Geek will become an even broader resource for computer education for the community at large and our donation base will expand. We expect that students who are able to make a donation will likely do so. The level of donations made by students will help evaluate the program’s success, as well as defray the cost of an education coordinator over time. Voluntary donations made by people dropping off computers now comprise a significant proportion of general operating revenue, so people are likely to chip in for the classes. At the same time, the classes will remain free so that we are sure to reach low-income participants on the wrong end of the digital divide.
 '''Goal 2:''' The Education Coordinator will will co-facilitate Computers for Kids (CFORK), a modified version of the Build and 24 Hour Adoption programs for elementary students.
 '''Objectives:'''
-. Conduct outreach with schools and youth organizations.
+. Conduct outreach with schools and youth organizations. Serve as liason.
 . Help create age appropriate building procedures and training materials.
-. Recruit voluteers to lead groups of kids through the programs. This may include the development of a paid internship. Volunteers may also be recruited through the Portland State University Capstone. The Capstone is an opportunity for college seinors to earn credit through community service. The education coordinator will be responsible for the initial phases of the program (see time table).
+. Recruit and train voluteers to lead groups of kids through the programs. This may include the development of a paid internship. Volunteers may also be recruited through the Portland State University Capstone. The Capstone is an opportunity for college seinors to earn credit through community service.
-'''Outcomes:'''
+. Students will receive early exposure to computer hardware and architecture, as well as Linux/Unix language and environments.
-. At least 80% of kids starting the 24 hour adoption program and at least 50% starting the Build program will finish and take home a computer.
+. Expand optional educational materials for builders. There will be increased opportunities within the Build Program for volunteers to learn more about the hardware and software they are working with.
-. Students will receive early exposure to computer hardware and architecture, as well as Linux/Unix language and environments.
+. Offer "Enterprise" Build. This will be a post-Build Program option for advanced Builders. Classes on high end network hardware will be offered for a fee. The classes will be taught by a paid instructor but the education coordinator will help integrate the teaching materials with the rest of the education program.
-. Students will have a positive, educational and fun after-school activity option.
+'''Outcomes:'''
-'''Goal 3:''' The education coordinator will facilitate ongoing staff education.
+'''Goal 4:''' The education coordinator will facilitate ongoing staff education.
 '''Objectives:'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:06, 9 January 2007
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	The success of the education program will be measured by the number of participants with particular attention to the number of new builders and adopters that continue on in computing and programming. We will evaluate how participation rates are matching up to our targets in the included timetable, and how the education program is working with our other expansion plans. In addition, the education coordinator will work with the volunteer trainers to refine classes and materials as we move forward. The financial stability of the position, in terms of the indirect effect it has on revenue and the donation base, will guide us in determining how well we meeting the community's needs.		The success of the education program will be measured by the number of participants with particular attention to the number of new builders and adopters that continue on in computing and programming. We will evaluate how participation rates are matching up to our targets in the included timetable, and how the education program is working with our other expansion plans. In addition, the education coordinator will work with the volunteer trainers to refine classes and materials as we move forward. The financial stability of the position, in terms of the indirect effect it has on revenue and the donation base, will guide us in determining how well we meeting the community's needs.
		+
		+	== See Also ==
		+	[[Education (PPS)]]

@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
-'''Goal 2:''' The Education Coordinator will develop Computers for Kids (CFORK), a modified version of the Build and 24 Hour Adoption programs for elementary students. This will be an after school program for children 10 and up.
+'''Goal 2:''' The Education Coordinator will will co-facilitate Computers for Kids (CFORK), a modified version of the Build and 24 Hour Adoption programs for elementary students. This will be an after school program for children 10 and up.
 '''Objectives:'''
@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 . Conduct outreach with schools and youth organizations.
-. Create age appropriate building procedures and training materials.
+. Help create age appropriate building procedures and training materials.
 . Recruit voluteers to lead groups of kids through the programs. This may include the development of a paid internship. Volunteers may also be recruited through the Portland State University Capstone. The Capstone is an opportunity for college seinors to earn credit through community service. The education coordinator will be responsible for the initial phases of the program (see time table).

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 Soon after the formalization of the Build Program in 2003, financial circumstances forced us to make changes. We decided to focus on becoming self-sustaining in our basic operations. It paid off in that Free Geek now funds its own recycling operation (please see included annual report). We are now in a position to expand our operations. We are applying for funds to renovate our facility and purchase a steel/cardboard baler, which will nearly triple the value of the recycled materials we sell.
-Ironically, although an education coordinator was instrumental in growing our nonprofit enough to ultimately be self-sustaining, we were forced to cut the position after the Build program was formalized in 2003. We are asking for $20,000 to fund an education coordinator for the first year until operations grow enough to defray costs. We are requesting an additional $2,500 for the Computers for Kids Program. These funds will cover transportation costs for students and provide stipends for interns who will lead groups of kids through modified Build and 24 Adoption Programs.
+Ironically, although an education coordinator was instrumental in growing our nonprofit enough to ultimately be self-sustaining, we were forced to cut the position after the Build program was formalized in 2003. We are asking for $20,000 to fund an education coordinator for the first year until operations grow enough to defray costs.
 == Goals and Measurable Outcomes ==