The Senior Plan

This is the document you will submit to gain approval for your Senior Project.

Mission Statement

Describe your goals in a unifying statement that encompasses the entirety of your project.

Definition of the Project

Clearly describe your project idea in as simple terms as possible, then break it down into its component parts or stages. In your description, be certain the following questions can be answered:

  • Why does this project truly need to be done?
  • What kind of profit will your work generate?
  • What benefits will the community receive as a result of your work?
  • If this is a traditional business, list the essential functions and goals to be included in the business plan.
  • If this is a non-traditional business, such as a large event, camp, or single product, describe the the type of business you use to support your work ( event planning business, production company, etc)

“A few hints:”
Unlike the mission statement where you must be brief, here you are encouraged to go in depth. One of the most important questions to ask yourself is “Does this project really need to be done?” This question should be answered by a definite “yes” and have many reasons for why it should be done. The main point of this section is to describe the core idea of your project, so focus on the aspects of the your project that are most important to you.

Learning Stretch

In this section you will describe one of the most important aspects of your senior project, mainly how the completion of this work will produce evidence of significant learning. As you write, be certain the following questions are addressed:

  • What kind of learning will your work generate?
  • How will you personally benefit from the completion of your tasks?
  • Most importantly, how will working toward the final result truly challenge you and your abilities?
  • How will you provide both physical and academic documentation of your Learning Stretch?

Mentor Relationship

Identify a Mentor to help guide your progress. Provide some detail on how your mentor is considered a qualified advisor on your project. Describe how you will enlist the aid of your Mentor and the components of your working relationship (roles/responsibilities).

“A few hints:”
This part is simple…just follow the instructions above! Make sure your mentor is considered an expert in his or her field. Your mentor can help you greatly during your project since they have the benefit of first-hand experience thus saving you both time and frustration. (So make sure to use them!)

Timeline

Create a projected implementation plan for your project, identifying distinct steps along with a self-directed timeline to be coordinated with deadlines established by the teacher. Be certain to account for all logistics necessary for the completion of your project. This must include both personal and academic deadlines.

Resources

In this section you will provide a basic inventory of all the things necessary to complete your senior project. Keep in mind that his covers tangible assets like equipment and funding, but also intangible assets such as time or skills. As you complete this section, be certain the following questions are addressed:

  • What skills/resources do you have which will help you to complete the project?
  • How will those skills be of assistance?
  • What skills/resources do you need to develop so that your work on the project will be successful?
  • What kind of research will be necessary for the completion of your project?
  • How will you document your research?

Quality Control

Identify the two classmates whose good or bad fortune will be tied into the success or failure of your work. These “inspectors” will assist you, when necessary, to ensure that your product is of the highest quality possible. Each senior will also be part of a larger consulting group that will evaluate progress and advise on problems as they arise.

“A few hints”:
Make sure to use your quality control partners since they are a great source of information. If possible try to get more quality control partners than the two assigned to you. It never hurts to have people go over your work.

Overview

Once your plan is completed, review your work and create a one-page presentation that captures the essential points of your plan and presents them in a simple, easily digestible format. This will be given to the judges on presentation day. It will be the only information the judges have about you or your project before you walk in the door. This is you opportunity to make a good first impression!