How can we make our application stand out?
The best applications will paint a picture of how your team of students will create a dynamic and impactful project. Participating teams will be selected on the below criteria:
- Impact Area & Project Mission: Your team should be deliberate in selecting your impact area, and developing your project mission to help address it. A detailed project plan is not necessary for the application, but we want to know what impact area is important to your students and why. There are descriptions of each impact area later in the application.
- Specific, Measurable and Actionable Outcomes: The best projects have clear outcomes they aim to reach. Teams should think about projects that aim to make a real difference in your school and larger community. That means your team is able to collect data that demonstrates your impact. It also means that you are realistic about what you can accomplish between now and when you present your project.
- School or Nonprofit Organization Based Site Coordinator: Every successful GirlsBuild team has a site coordinator to help direct, and facilitate great student work. If you are filling out this application, chances are that this person is going to be you if your team is selected. Please tell us about the vision, how the team was started, and how you will engage them in this work.
- Shared Ownership by Team Members: Working collaboratively as a cohesive team is a big part of this project and can look different for each team. It is important that each student is engaged, has a role, and is making meaningful contributions. GirlsBuild is a place where every student has the chance to grow their leadership skills!
Can the same team / student apply again if they did it last year?
Yes! Everyone who participated last year can apply again - whether it is a repeat team or repeat students. It is a fresh slate. We will base and score all applications using the same standard rubric. The projects are selected based on vision and commitment of the current team.
Can the same person be the site coordinator for more than one team?
Ideally every team has their own, unique site coordinator as there is a lot of logistics to track with one team. However, if a site coordinator runs more than one team, they will only get the stipend once. The site coordinator will not be paid twice.
Can a team have two site coordinators?
Yes, just let us know and we can divide the stipend into $600 for each person and share the communication with both people.
Can a team have two site coordinators?
Yes, just let us know and we can divide the stipend into $600 for each person and share the communication with both people.
How does the $1200 stipend for the coordinator work?
Every site coordinator will receive a $1200 stipend in February provided they meet all the conditions of the contract. As the site coordinator you are responsible for:
- Recruiting girls to participate in the project
- Creating a time and space for teams to meet
- Communicating regularly with GirlsBuild
- Take care of logistics for events from the school side
- Manage how and to whom checks will be deposited at school site for the team budget
- Secure how funds can be and will be properly spent
- Collect information from the students in the event the team wins one of the scholarships
What are the responsibilities of the site coordinator?
The GirlsBuild Project is intended to be student-driven and led with support from a site coordinator throughout the duration of the project. This support includes, but is not limited to:
SITE COORDINATOR DEADLINES:
- Coordinating team activities
- Facilitating regular team meetings
- Assigning team roles
- Managing timelines
- Managing logistics for events
- Managing grant funds
- Communicating with LA Promise Fund
- Mediate between school and LA Promise Fund to get principal’s sign off and to process the check for the budget
- Turn in all necessary materials by pre-determined deadline
SITE COORDINATOR DEADLINES:
- Sign Grant, Coordinator Agreement and W9 by December 1, 2023
- Submit Media Release Forms for ALL students by December 1, 2023.
- If all these deadlines are met then the Stipend will be processed and a 1099 will be issued in January 2024.
What happens if girls drop out and new girls are added?
That's alright, but we do mandate that teams maintain at least 6 members at all times. It is too hard to do a meaningful project without a team. We hope your team grows to be a vibrant and sustainable club on campus and we do know there may be changes to the team throughout the year.
What does it mean that our project needs to have an active civic engagement component?
We are building a movement of civically engaged students through Girls Build. Projects this year will have a direct Civic Engagement Component through: Environmental Sustainability, Service, Representation, or Advocacy. Please remind yourself about examples of this here.
We are building a movement of civically engaged students through Girls Build. Projects this year will have a direct Civic Engagement Component through: Environmental Sustainability, Service, Representation, or Advocacy. Please remind yourself about examples of this here.
I heard we are using technology for this project (e.g. website, social media, and video editing) I am inexperienced in all of this. Can we still do this project?
Yes, of course you can still do this project! Part of the goal of this project is to teach the team 21st Century Learning Skills. We will supply support to build a social media campaign, build a website using Weebly.com (you are free to use any site of your choice, we will just offer training for this one) and create videos.
The only technology you will need is access to the Internet. Everything we do is all on the internet, in the cloud. The cloud is free and can be password protected. None of the projects will require specific software or programs. We have seen elementary students pick up these tools quickly, your team of students will be able to catch on. You can get a head start with the technology here. Please share with your team.
The only technology you will need is access to the Internet. Everything we do is all on the internet, in the cloud. The cloud is free and can be password protected. None of the projects will require specific software or programs. We have seen elementary students pick up these tools quickly, your team of students will be able to catch on. You can get a head start with the technology here. Please share with your team.
What technology or device will we need to do this project?
It will be best if your team has access to laptops for mobility but any access to the Internet works. The only technology needed for this project is access to the Internet. Phones could even work for the video and social media aspect. The website is best built on a computer, no additional software or programs are necessary.
What are the guidelines for spending the budget?
Funded GirlsBuild teams will receive a $1000 grant to spend. Funding is allocated at the discretion of the team and should be discussed amongst all members. In order to be funded, teams need to complete the January deadline requirements on time.
January Deadline Requirements:
Fund Use Guidelines:
January Deadline Requirements:
- The Site Coordinator must submit all financial forms
- Teams must submit a budget proposal, project plan, and a rough draft of their website
Fund Use Guidelines:
- All funds must be tied to the implementation of the established project, and pertinent to the identified impact area
- Projects can benefit the neighborhood, the broader school community, and do not need to be limited to a school campus
- Consider using funds to help feed the team and create t-shirts and swag that support unity and brand recognition
- Any elements of the project that are implemented using additional resources will not be considered when making scholarship or prize decisions
- The funds cannot be used for an outside service provider
Will we get assistance with our GirlsBuild project?
Yes! We post helpful materials on our website. We will also send weekly newsletters with guidance and support for your project along with additional enrichment opportunities that can be shared with your students. We hold advisory webinars with guest experts and will happily provide support when needed.
My question isn't answered by the FAQ or the GirlsBuild website.
Please contact GirlsBuild at [email protected]!
