YWB
Youth collaborating outdoors with mentors, smiling and building together

Roadmap

Build momentum through focused phases. Ship small. Learn fast. Keep dignity and opportunity front and center.

Phase 1 - Foundation

Phase 2 - Expansion

Phase 3 - Integration

Phase 4 - Sustain - Scaling

  1. Phase 1 — Foundation (Arkansas Launch)

    ~4–6 months (solo, spare time)
    • Pilot workshops, mentorship network, small projects
    • Partners: schools, community centers, justice programs
    • Start digital hub skeleton: portal, mentor matching, opportunity board

  2. Phase 2 — Expansion (Border States)

    ~6–12 months
    • Regional partnerships in MO, TN, MS, LA, TX, OK, KS
    • Alternative gateways: exchanges & remote collaboration
    • Cross-state challenges: sustainability, arts, startup pitches

  3. Phase 3 — Digital Hub Integration

    ~4–8 months
    • Profiles, showcases, learning modules, progress gamification
    • Forums & hybrid labs for cross-state collaboration
    • Youth-facing UX: dignity-first, frictionless onboarding

  4. Phase 4 — Sustainability & Scaling

    ongoing (≥6–12 months of iteration)
    • Grants, social enterprise revenue, workforce partners
    • Alumni-to-mentor pipeline; leadership tracks
    • Codify model for replication beyond the region
Back to Mission →

Roadmap — Step by Step (Simple, Real, Doable)

This plan is written for everyone—youth, parents, mentors, and partners. No jargon. No hype. Just clear steps we can follow and measure.

Phase 1 — Foundation (Arkansas Launch)

Timeframe: ~4–6 months (solo, spare time)

Pilot workshops, mentorship network, small projects

Plan of action:

  1. Run 3 starter workshops (2 hours each): one tech, one arts, one civic.
  2. Recruit 5–10 mentors (basic background check + short training).
  3. Each workshop ends with a tiny project (1–2 weeks) that gets shown publicly.

Proof it happened:

  • Attendance list, 3 project galleries, mentor roster with contact info.
  • Participant feedback (1-minute form) after each activity.

Risks & fixes:

  • Low turnout: invite through schools + social workers; offer snacks + small prizes.
  • No space: borrow a room at a library, church, or community center.
Partners: schools, community centers, justice programs

Plan of action:

  1. Make a list of 10 local partners; contact 5; secure 2 MOUs (simple written agreements).
  2. Define roles: we run workshops; they help with outreach and space.
  3. Monthly 30-min check-in with partners to review progress.

Proof it happened:

  • Signed MOUs, partner contacts, calendar invites for check-ins.

Risks & fixes:

  • Slow replies: schedule short in-person visits; bring a one-page handout.
  • Policy hurdles: start with “after hours” or pilot events while approvals process.
Start digital hub skeleton: portal, mentor matching, opportunity board

Plan of action:

  1. Simple portal: sign-up form + welcome page + “What’s next?” checklist.
  2. Mentor matching: basic profile fields (skills, day/time, interests) + manual match list.
  3. Opportunity board: a page with 10 clear items (how to apply, deadlines, contact).

Proof it happened:

  • Live URLs for portal, mentor list, and board; screenshots saved monthly.

Risks & fixes:

  • Too complex: keep it plain—forms first, fancy later.
  • Privacy: collect only what’s needed; get consent; no public personal data.

Phase 2 — Expansion (Border States)

Timeframe: ~6–12 months

Regional partnerships in MO, TN, MS, LA, TX, OK, KS

Plan of action:

  1. Pick 1 “anchor” org per state (school, community group, or youth nonprofit).
  2. Share the Phase 1 playbook; agree on one joint pilot event per state.
  3. Set a simple monthly sync (30 minutes, fixed day/time).

Proof it happened:

  • 7 anchor contacts, 7 pilot dates on the calendar, shared notes after each.

Risks & fixes:

  • Travel limits: make pilots hybrid (Zoom + local room).
  • Different rules: let each partner host locally; we provide the format.
Alternative gateways: exchanges & remote collaboration

Plan of action:

  1. Start “Exchange Days”: youth from two states team up for one shared workshop.
  2. Buddy Teams: pair small groups across states for 2-week mini projects.
  3. Offer micro-grants ($50–$200) for materials or travel when needed.

Proof it happened:

  • Photos/screenshots of teams, short demos, micro-grant receipts.

Risks & fixes:

  • Schedule clashes: use after-school slots; record sessions for replay.
  • Tech trouble: test links beforehand; offer call-in numbers.
Cross-state challenges: sustainability, arts, startup pitches

Plan of action:

  1. Run 2 challenge cycles (6–8 weeks each) with clear rules and example projects.
  2. Weekly check-ins; judges include youth, mentors, and a partner from each state.
  3. Small prizes: gift cards, gear, or paid apprenticeships for winners.

Proof it happened:

  • Challenge brief online, team list, final showcase video or gallery.

Risks & fixes:

  • Scope creep: fixed timebox; “done is demoed.”
  • Fairness: clear rubric; publish scores and feedback.

Phase 3 — Digital Hub Integration

Timeframe: ~4–8 months

Profiles, showcases, learning modules, progress gamification

Plan of action:

  1. Profiles: only needed info (name, interests, schedule, goals).
  2. Modules: short videos + small tasks that create real artifacts.
  3. Progress: badges only when proof exists (link or upload).

Proof it happened:

  • Live profiles, module completions, galleries with projects.

Risks & fixes:

  • Over-engineering: launch basic; add features only after feedback.
  • Badge spam: require evidence; mentors verify.
Forums & hybrid labs for cross-state collaboration

Plan of action:

  1. Simple forum with clear rules; youth and mentors have badges.
  2. Hybrid labs: monthly live build with local rooms + a shared video call.
  3. Moderation: two adults per room/call; fast report button.

Proof it happened:

  • Forum threads, event recordings, moderation logs.

Risks & fixes:

  • Online drama: clear rules; quick timeouts; restorative steps.
  • Burnout: rotate facilitators; keep events short and focused.
Youth-facing UX: dignity-first, frictionless onboarding

Plan of action:

  1. Three-screen onboarding: profile basics → interests → first step.
  2. Everything in plain language; large buttons; phone friendly.
  3. Opt-in privacy controls and an easy “change my mentor” option.

Proof it happened:

  • Onboarding completion times; drop-off rates trending down.

Risks & fixes:

  • Confusing steps: test with 3–5 youth; fix what they flag.
  • Access issues: offline handouts; SMS reminders; low-data pages.

Phase 4 — Sustainability & Scaling

Timeframe: ongoing (≥6–12 months of iteration)

Grants, social enterprise revenue, workforce partners

Plan of action:

  1. Write 3 grant apps (one local, one state, one national).
  2. Test a small revenue idea (e.g., paid workshop for employers).
  3. Sign at least 3 hiring partners who agree to interview graduates.

Proof it happened:

  • Submitted grants, invoices, partner MOUs, hire/interview counts.

Risks & fixes:

  • Grant delays: keep a lean budget; use volunteer mentors as needed.
  • Revenue mismatch: choose offers that still help youth (no mission drift).
Alumni-to-mentor pipeline; leadership tracks

Plan of action:

  1. Invite graduates to a short mentor prep (code of conduct + scenarios).
  2. Offer small stipends for alumni mentors.
  3. Create a leadership track badge (assist → lead a sprint → host a showcase).

Proof it happened:

  • Alumni mentor list, sessions led, feedback from youth.

Risks & fixes:

  • Too few alumni: invite partners’ alumni too; co-mentor with adults.
  • Quality dips: shadowing + check-ins; remove badge if needed.
Codify model for replication beyond the region

Plan of action:

  1. Write a simple playbook (what to do week by week, with checklists).
  2. Record short how-to videos for mentors and partners.
  3. Run a “train the trainer” day with two outside organizations.

Proof it happened:

  • Published playbook, video links, feedback from trainees.

Risks & fixes:

  • Hard to copy: keep materials short and plain; include templates.
  • Quality drift: require partners to sign the four pillars pledge.
Revisit the Mission →Re-read the Vision →