|
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Velocity Prep 2010
Skillpoint Alliance is offering two Velocity Prep programs in 2010:
ROBOTech Now Underway! (June 1-30)
Program Description
Client Project (University of Texas)
Allied Health Now Underway! (June 1-30)
Click here for a brief overview of the Velocity Prep program.
Velocity Prep 2009
Skillpoint Alliance held two Velocity Prep courses in 2009 through Austin ISD--Listen Up at Lanier High School and Game On! at Travis High School.
Get Involved!
Below is a list of the participants involved in a Velocity Prep program. If you would like to get involved or receive more information about any of the roles described below, please email skorcheck@skillpointalliance.org.
To view a complete breakdown of Velocity Prep including budget, Download the PDF.
Students
Students will gain direct knowledge about the client’s industry and acquire the values, skills and work habits demanded by employers and necessary for success in the workplace. They will learn how to effectively work in teams to accomplish identified objectives and produce specific deliverables, including setting reasonable goals and timelines. Best of all, they can earn a stipend and make money while learning.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and monitor a detailed work plan to include activities, deliverables, due dates, and person(s) responsible
- Work with the Client Mentor and other appropriate experts to acquire information and/or skills necessary to meet project goals, including industry site visits and hands-on learning opportunities
- Conduct a formal presentation of findings and recommendations to the client (family, school personnel and other supporters will be invited to attend)
Client Companies
The Client will identify a problem that exposes students to industry-related issues and gives students a sense of what it is like to work in a professional environment. As much as possible, Velocity Prep reflects the authentic relationship between client and consultant, with the client identifying a project that results in actionable items drawn from consultant-generated findings and recommendations.
Responsibilities:
- Identify a real problem in need of a solution
- Prior to beginning the program, work with Skillpoint Alliance staff and the College Student Project Director to outline the nature of the problem and help shape the project
- Select a Client Mentor to serve as the main contact for students throughout the project
- Allow additional Client staff to interact with and provide information to students, as appropriate
- Host the initial consultation as well as the final student presentation, preferably at the Client’s worksite
College Student Project Director
Project Directors serve the critical roles of acting as a positive role model, facilitating the work of the Velocity Prep consulting company and serving as the link between Skillpoint, the Client Mentor, and the Project Liaison(s). The Project Director will gain valuable experience by working directly with an industry client, leading the project and preparing a project summary report.
Responsibilities:
- Prior to beginning the program, work with Skillpoint staff and the Client Mentor to outline the nature of the problem and help shape the project, including identifying additional experts
- Collaborate with the Client Mentor as necessary to define the students’ work plan
- Work with the Project Liaison(s) on facility and transportation logistics and scheduling
- Facilitate student workflow by ensuring that students’ expectations remain reasonable and appropriate to the project, keeping students on schedule and accountable, acting as a sounding board to focus students’ ideas and tasks, and addressing student motivation and performance issues
- Model a positive attitude, effective relationships and productive work habits
- Work with Skillpoint staff to identify desired outcomes, implement evaluation procedures and create criteria for awarding student bonuses
- Prepare a summary report describing project goals, accomplishments, student outcomes, expenditures, and suggestions for improvement
Project Liasion
The Project Liaison, typically campus or school district staff member(s), works with Skillpoint staff and the College Student Project Director to handle the logistics necessary for effective delivery of the project.
Responsibilities:
- Recruit and match students to the project
- Assist the College Project Director in coordinating and scheduling student engagement with industry leaders, including transportation
- Work with the College Project Director to ensure that school facilities and necessary equipment are available
- Be available to assist the College Project Director with any last-minute logistical issues
- Maintain student and logistical documentation for the project’s summary report
Hundreds of 9- to 14-year-olds participated in the Central Texas FIRST LEGO League (FLL) program thanks to the amazing support of parents, schools, mentors from local high tech companies, colleges and universities, and tons of volutneers. Students engaged in hands-on probelm solving with LEGO Robotics while researching real-world issues and creating their own solutions. "This event was amazing," an FLL student participant said. "My team had such a wonderful time. The energy and enthusiasm were unbelievable."
 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
||
