ProgramsMSM - Fall 2022 Interterm ProjectsCitywide Classroom Sustainability Planning (South Bend, IN)

Project Title: Citywide Classroom Sustainability Planning (South Bend, IN)

enFocus Inc.

Details
Project Title Citywide Classroom Sustainability Planning (South Bend, IN)
Project Topics Data Management Growth Strategy Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Since 2020, enFocus has partnered with the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) and the City of South Bend to administer Citywide Classroom, a collaborative partnership to expand connectivity resources typically found in classrooms into the neighborhoods and homes of the students we serve. Currently, this involves distributing mobile data hotspots to families and troubleshooting issues with their use. We also promote resources like the Affordable Connectivity Program to connect low income families with long term internet access.

With the completion of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund grant that has been the primary source of funding for the program so far, Citywide Classroom is faced with the question of how to continue serving the students of SBCSC. At the same time, we are considering how Citywide Classroom, a program that emerged in response to a unique crisis, can best serve the community long-term. We are seeking the help of Mendoza College MSM students with sustainability planning for Citywide Classroom’s future, helping us answer these questions:

  • How much will it cost if Citywide Classroom maintains its current level of operations? Can those costs be minimized by optimizing operations?
  • Should Citywide Classroom consider strategic changes to its operations and vision to maximize its sustainability and impact?
  • How will we fund these operations (e.g. with SBCSC funding, other grants, etc.)?

Project Location: City of South Bend's TRC Building, 1165 Franklin St. #100, South Bend, IN 46601
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
We anticipate the following to be activities needed for this project:




  • Familiarization with Citywide Classroom’s operations, costs, and funding sources via review of financial and organizational documents and introductory briefings
  • Analysis of financial documents to determine the monthly and annual costs of Citywide Classroom’s current level of operations and opportunities to reduce costs
  • Cost-benefit analysis of potential future structures/operation levels to maximize sustainability and impact
  • Research into future lines of funding for Citywide Classroom (local, state, and federal grants; organizational partnerships; etc.)
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
We would consider this project a success if, by its completion, our organization were equipped with the following deliverables:
  • A robust cost estimate for Citywide Classroom’s current level of operations and highlighted opportunities for cost reduction
  • Recommendations outlining future directions for Citywide Classroom going forward, focusing on:
     
    • Potentially adjusted levels of operations to maximize sustainability and impact
  •  
    • Future funding sources
  •  
    • Potential organizational restructuring and strategic repositioning
  •  
These deliverables will be critical in supporting our goal of continuing to provide connectivity resources to members of our community for the next 5 years.

Project Timeline

enFocus Inc. - Citywide Classroom Sustainability Planning (South Bend, IN)
Due Date
Activities
Deliverables
Status
Action
Wed, 10/05/22
12:00 AM UTC
Teams Introduced
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location:
Event Description:
Student Teams Introduced to Project Mentors
Thu, 10/06/22
12:00 AM UTC
Finalize, Sign & Upload Statement on Intellectual Property Rights
Required Deliverable
Required Deliverable
Deliverable submission is required.
Description:
Sun, 10/09/22
12:00 AM UTC
Pre-Engagement Self Assessment
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Please complete this Pre-Engagement Self Assessment, which will help us measure your growth and learning!
Mon, 10/10/22
12:00 AM UTC
End of Day 1 GROUP Temperature Check
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
By the end of Day 1, please schedule 20-30 minutes as a team either in person or via Zoom to check-in with each other. Give each person a chance to share 1) what they feel is going best so far about the project and 2) what questions/hopes they have for addressing any challenges that are coming up. 

Then, as a team please discuss and complete the questions in the GROUP TEMPERATURE CHECK. During the meeting, have one representative enter and submit the team's responses. 

Students may also reach out individually with any questions or concerns to Professor Muir (kmuir2@nd.edu), to Ben Wilson (bwilson2@nd.edu), or to your project mentor. 
Mon, 10/10/22
12:00 AM UTC
Program Kickoff
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location:
Tue, 10/11/22
12:00 AM UTC
End of Day 2 INDIVIDUAL Temperature Check
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
By the end of your second day (Tuesday, Oct 11), as an individual please complete this INDIVIDUAL TEMPERATURE CHECK to provide your feedback on how things are going. Each person should submit an individual response.
Tue, 10/18/22
12:00 AM UTC
Post-Engagement Assessment
Required Evaluation
Evaluation submission is required.
View
Description:
Please complete this Post-Engagement Assessment so we can hear more about your experience and help measure your learning and growth!