Assignment 1 - Creating a Proposal & Learning the SMART Goals framework.

Developed by the Aspire team, this video and framework will help you identify a meaningful problem, craft a compelling project proposal, and use the SMART goals framework to develop a clear and actionable plan for impact. 

SMART goals are widely used because they offer a clear, structured approach to setting and achieving objectives. By breaking down goals into actionable steps, they make progress easier to track, boost motivation, and improve planning and accountability.

 Assignment 2 - Complete Reflection Prompt 1 💭

This reflection prompt will help you clearly define and analyze a community issue by encouraging you to break it down into specific components. It fosters critical thinking, helping identify the problem, its root cause and affected groups—key steps in crafting a successful project proposal.

Reflection Prompt #1 : Developing your Problem Statement

Reflect on a problem you’ve observed in your community. It may be one you discussed in Discussion Post #2, but some other. A problem statement defines the problem and sets the foundation for the proposed solution by providing a compelling reason for why the project is necessary.  

Please use the following guiding questions as examples to help draft your problem statement. You are welcome to explore your own approach as well. 

• 1. 1. 1. What is the problem you have identified? 

        2. What do you think the root cause of this problem is?

        3. Who or what is affected?  (Try to be estimate the number of stakeholders impacted. Try to be as specific as possible. It's okay if you're unsure or if your guess is incorrect—just do your best.)

        4. Why should the problem be solved?

        5. Why do you think this problem has not been solved yet? 

• Reflection prompts are for your personal record and not graded. 

• Use the form below to organize your thoughts for the reflection prompts and request a copy of your answers for future reference. 

• This will help you in your End of Module Assessment when you submit the final draft for grading. 

ASSIGNMENT  3 -  Complete Reflection Prompt 2 💭

This reflection prompt will help you clearly define your project plan going to theoretically implement a solution for the problem.This will allow you to make use of the SMART goals framework you learnt and will foster critical thinking , strategic planning, and a deeper understanding of how to approach problem-solving effectively.

Reflection Prompt #2 : Developing your Project  Plan

Reflect on a problem you’ve observed in your community. It may be one you discussed in Discussion Post #2, but it doesn't have to be. A problem statement defines the problem and sets the foundation for the proposed solution and provides a compelling reason for why the project is necessary.  

Please use the following guiding questions as examples to help draft your project plan. You are welcome to explore your own approach as well. 

1. What is a potential solution you have identified to help improve the problem? What is unique about your idea? 

2. Who all would you need on your team to implement the project ? Why?

3. What resources or support will you need to carry out your project?

4. How much do you think this project would cost? Give an estimated answer and explain your reasoning. 

5. What do you think the the timeline will be to implement this project?
   
   

• Reflection prompts are for your personal record and not graded. 

• Use the form below to organize your thoughts for the reflection prompts and request a copy of your answers for future reference. 

• This will help you in your End of Module Assessment when you submit the final draft for grading.

Throughout the module, we will host live masterclasses led by industry experts. While you are welcome to join as many sessions as you’d like, attending at least one is mandatory to successfully complete the program!

Multiple Masterclasses are available in Module 2, so you may choose when you would like to attend.

Remember, masterclass times are listed for the EST time zone. Not sure what time that is in your part of the world?  Use date/time calculator.

For the full Masterclass Schedule, Visit the "Masterclasses" tab. Review each of the masterclass sessions and make a list of the ones that look interesting to you and that work with your schedule.