developer_boardY-PLAN DIY
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Y-PLAN
Y-PLAN works intensively with school districts and cities in key locations (currently California and New York City). But you can bring Y-PLAN to a classroom or community development project anywhere in the world!
Our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Y-PLAN toolkit allows teachers, community members, or civic leaders bring a one-day modified Y-PLAN project to life. Y-PLAN Mini has the curriculum and activities you need to succeed, and can be implemented in 3-5 hours. It can also serve as a perfect introduction to Y-PLAN’s unique approach to project-based civic learning experiences.
Click on the interactive road map below to view curriculum and milestones for each step of the Y-PLAN methodology.
Module 1: Start Up
Objective: Participants will define the project question and develop essential relationships
- Find our Strengths
- Identify the Challenge
- Meet the Client
- Create a Roadmap
Y-PLAN Instructor: Shanae Brown
Client: AoIT Principal Cynthia Fowlkes
School: Academy of Innovative Technology (AoIT)
City: Brooklyn, New York
Project Question: How does scanning slow down the education process?
Module 2: Making Sense of the City
Objective: Participants will conduct community-based research to address project question
- Map the Neighborhood
- Understand the Project Site
- Interview the Community
- Tell the Story
Students gathered data and conducted research by creating mind-maps of their project site: the entrance of their campus. They created a questionnaire and surveyed different members within the school community. They also created a SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) of security scanners.
Module 3: Into Action
Objective: Participants will brainstorm solutions and develop proposals for change
- Gather Inspiration
- Brainstorm Ideas
- Create a Vision
- Plan for Change
Students collected their findings and brainstormed proposals. They created tables and graphs from survey responses, and created a final report of their research and feedback.
Module 4: Going Public
Objective: Participants will create and present final proposals for change
- Maximize Impact
- Prepare Presentation
- Present to the Public
Students presented their findings to their classmates and to their client, Principal Fowlkes.
Module 5: Looking Forward & Back
Objective: Participants will reflect on lessons learned and strategize next steps
- Reflect on Successes
- Letter to Client
- College Essay
- Action Plan
Students completed their Y-PLAN Mini by writing a Client Letter to Principal Fowlkes and other administrators outlining their work and summarizing their recommendations.
The Y-PLAN Toolkit has been designed to equip educators, adult allies, and young people with the resources and "know-how" to develop and implement community development projects.
