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

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Teams Introduced

 Oct 05 2022 Event

Finalize, Sign & Upload Statement on Intellectual Property Rights

 Oct 06 2022 Submission Required

Pre-Engagement Self Assessment

 Oct 09 2022 Evaluation

End of Day 1 GROUP Temperature Check

 Oct 10 2022 Evaluation

Program Kickoff

 Oct 10 2022 Event

End of Day 2 INDIVIDUAL Temperature Check

 Oct 11 2022 Evaluation

Post-Engagement Assessment

 Oct 18 2022 Evaluation