Prepare a project plan for the mission proposal

Fill out this simple project planning template, which helps your team think critically about how to plan and execute the project during Phase 2. Brainstorm and list out the major activities you expect as part of the project, the estimated time needed to complete each activity, and which team members can lead each activity. 

Prepare a preliminary budget for the mission proposal

Fill out this preliminary budget template to brainstorm a list of foreseeable items you will need to build and launch a mission, such as: 

• Equipment and tech — hardware, software, maker tools. (Refer back to the Subsystems equipment list discussion in the Subsystems resources.)
• Other — any other key/critical items (for example, facility, teacher honorariums).

Brainstorm the best ways to engage the community in the mission

Read the article “6 keys to community engagement in schools,” by Sustaining Community, to learn about incorporating local community support into projects.

Facilitate a discussion on community engagement to brainstorm local organizations, experts, or companies that could support the mission, using discussion prompts such as:

• What are impactful ways we can engage the broader student body and local community in our project? For example, fundraising, technical support, and subject matter expertise. 
• With whom in the local community would you like to work? For example, technical experts, funders, mentors, colleges, or universities. 
• How might you interest these community members in supporting your project?