BWSI Collaboration

Submitted by jo13286 on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 16:49

New home to provide info on BWSI collaborations!

What is BWSI? - we hope that you've seen our info pages and YouTube videos already!
We feel passionately that this model should scale to nationally for students, we've created a great program and want to reach as many students as possible
How can I do this?
- Find local mentors (teacher, engineers, scientists) interested in helping- CSTA, your high school computer science, or local colleges.
- Think of name: ____ Works - what's the name of your school mascot? (It just can't be "Beaver Works" -that's taken! )
- Advertise and network within your school- science fairs, clubs, back-to-school nights- talk to us about how we can help with equipment loans.
- Get started now!
Funding
- We are funded by gifts and grants, for you this may be the hardest part in starting out
- Suggest host organization sponsor completely for the first year (up to $50k for in-person 4-week course- covers for paid instructors with a little bit for hardware- in-school clubs may have mentors or advisors that will help for free)
- Look to local companies to provide gifts and grants to fund on-going effort
- Create partnership with local universities (for teachers and teaching assistants) and schools (for candidate students)- BWSI alum are a great resource for TA's
Requirements (a few)
- You must be a non-profit as we are providing curriculum for free (if not, a licensing arrangement will need to be worked out )
- Committed to helping as many students as possible learn!
- We will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOU) with your organization
  - It sets roles and responsibilities, and clearly states that any use of the MIT name must be approved ahead of time
Suggestions:
- Start with 1 course, 5-15 students, student interest will help you grow
- Remember that there are opporunities like local science fairs or STEM events to use to publicize and get interest