Component 1: Project Proposal

Part 1: Preliminary Proposal Draft Form(pdf)

Part 2: Formal Proposal Requirements

Scoring rubric for Formal Proposal (pdf)

 

Formal Proposal Requirements

Once you have successfully received preliminary approval for your project, you need to write a formal project proposal. This is where you will get into more detail about what your project will be, what you hope to learn by completing the project, how you will acquire the necessary skills or knowledge, and how you will know the project was successful.

Note:
Students already involved in groups (Eagle Scouts, etc.) requiring a major project may be able to adapt their project to meet the CP requirements as well. Students should discuss this possibility with their faculty advisor during the proposal stage to make certain all OHS requirements would also be met.

 

Format:

  1. Word-processed, double-spaced, 12-point plain font. Acceptable fonts: Arial, Geneva, Helvetica, or Times.
  2. Proofread and free of spelling and grammatical errors and contractions.
  3. Should be no more than 3 pages long (not including timeline)

Requirements:

  1. Introductory section describing the general area of interest for your project (i.e. science, art, history, etc), and why you chose this area to focus on—your background in this area, and why this project will be meaningful for you.
  2. Section describing your project. This section should address these questions:What will you be learning about? (Be specific.)What research or other learning will you need to accomplish your goals? Will you be using a field expert, and if so, how will that person assist you in this project? What are the essential questions your research will provide you for your project?
  3. A section on the projected budget and expenses you will have and how you will meet them. NOTE: There is no expectation to spend any certain amount of money; projects need not be a financial burden. Students are strongly encouraged to spend no more than between $50-100, and realize that expense is not a substitute for quality work.
  4. A section on what your project end-result will be. How will you use your research and learning? Will you create something? Direct a play? Make a film? Organize an event? Be creative, make it meaningful for yourself, and make sure that your research will help you in producing whatever end-result you desire. Your end-result must be achievable by the end of the semester.
  5. A concluding section explaining how you will determine whether your project was a success.
  6. A timeline should be attached to your paper with a detailed action plan as to when you will be doing your research, meeting with field experts, producing your end-result, etc. Try to be as detailed as you can in thinking about what steps will be needed to complete your project, how much time each step will take, and when you will complete each step. This is part of planning a successful project. Even if there are modifications to your actions later, if you do not have a good plan to start with your project is more likely to not be completed in time or satisfactorily.

Note: If you are using a field expert, attach the completed Field Expert Agreement form (pdf) to the end of your proposal.