The Ultimate

Need a project idea to include your interest in hardware and software and building computers?
Need a basic game plan to start your project?
Need to find a way to address all of the TEKS, leap forward in the college and job process, and feel really good about yourself?

Try this:

The ultimate project:
1. Visit Goodwill Computer Store and coordinate some training for their staff to show you how they recycle computers.
2. Volunteer for several days to help the Goodwill Computer Store refurbish computers.
3. Create some basic instructions on the process of refurbishing process.
4. Create a wiki about refurbishing and connect different resources (people who donate equipment, people who are interested or knowledgeable about the process, people who need computers, people who will volunteer).
5. Add instructional content (video, still images, sound, animation) about refurbishing.
6. Coordinate volunteers to refurbish computers.
7. Contact software companies to supply software for free.
8. Possibly form a computer club to legitimately raise money for refurbishing costs.
9. Document your work and present the work to internet service providers, and convince them to provide free internet service with each refurbished computer.
10. Start a website and document some of the families and how they were helped.
11. Get media coverage to gain community support.
12. Hold fundraisers to raise money for refurbishment.
13. Provide a presentation to three community groups (Rotary, Lions, etc.) about the project.

Timeline:
1-2: three to four weeks
3-5: four weeks
6-10: six weeks
7-13: 12-18 weeks

Impact:
a. help families and students gain resources for learning.
b. bring together hardware, software and service providers and provide them with good press
c. develop project management and volunteer management skills
d. develop huge sections of practical experience for your resume/college app.
e. leave a lasting legacy to McCallum of a program that helps the community
f. set an example as a community leader
g. network with business and community leaders to establish relationships with personal and professional benefits
h. get an "A" in CAMM