Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception

I see the issue as a big knowledge gap and lack of engagement among youngsters with blockchain technology, particularly in the Cardano environment. The technical nature of blockchain, along with misunderstandings, has distanced teenagers from the potential prospects that this technology presents. This divide impedes the growth of future Cardano inventors, developers, and consumers.

Reasons for Approach

I chose an educational and engagement-focused approach because teenagers are digital natives who can easily grasp new technologies when presented in an accessible, interactive, and incentivized manner. By offering education through familiar and engaging formats, such as gamification, digital rewards, and interactive platforms, I can lower the barrier of entry and foster long-term interest. Cardano’s focus on creating a more inclusive, decentralized, and sustainable world aligns with my goal of empowering the next generation to be active participants in this space.

Project Engagement

The project will involve youths aged 13 to 18, from various backgrounds, including those interested in technology, economics, gaming, and digital art. It will also include educators who can integrate blockchain education into their curricula and parents who want their children to be prepared for future job markets. Finally, Cardano community leaders will be invited to mentor and support young students.

Showing Impact

To demonstrate impact, I will monitor metrics such as:

The number of youths registered in educational programs (online classes, workshops, etc.).

Active participation and engagement in interactive platforms.

Completion rates for blockchain-related challenges or assignments.

Students and educators provided feedback and questionnaires about their understanding and experience.

Long-term involvement of teens in the Cardano community (for example, contributions, projects, or conversations). Regular reports will also be distributed to stakeholders to highlight notable results and areas for development.

Unique Features of the Solution

This approach is unusual in that it focuses on making blockchain more accessible to teenagers through interactive, gamified learning experiences and real-world incentives such as digital awards. Unlike typical, technical blockchain teaching platforms, this method targets a younger audience, combining fun and education. It also aligns with Cardano's objective of sustainability and inclusivity, which will aid in the development of future ecosystem contributors and leaders.

Beneficiaries

Teenagers are the key beneficiaries, as they will obtain vital knowledge about blockchain technology and future career chances in a decentralized economy. The Cardano community benefits as well, as engaging younger generations will help it develop, innovate, and be sustainable in the long run.

significance for Cardano

Cardano values this initiative because it guarantees that the next generation of developers will be familiar with blockchain technology, which is critical for the continuous creation of smart contracts, decentralized apps (dApps), and novel use cases for the Cardano ecosystem. By focusing on an underrepresented group, it encourages diversity and guarantees that the platform will continue to develop with new insights and abilities.

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The project will cultivate the next generation of developers and innovators, helping Cardano's long-term sustainability. As teenagers learn and share their knowledge, Cardano will gain broader recognition, increasing adoption and trust. By engaging younger voices, the ecosystem will benefit from diverse perspectives, driving innovation and community growth.

The impact of this initiative will be assessed by monitoring participation rates, skill advancement, and additions to the Cardano ecosystem. The evaluation of long-term involvement will be based on participants' ongoing participation in the community. The project's success will be better understood qualitatively through participant and mentor feedback.

The project's results will be disseminated through public reports, success stories, and free online educational materials in order to maximize exposure and value. Through workshops and hackathons, partnerships with Cardano developers, influencers, and stakeholders will increase the project's reach. Updates and successes will be actively disseminated on social media, and outcomes will be presented at conferences and events hosted by Cardano.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team comprises experienced professionals with a proven track record in execution of projects in previous rounds, community engagement, education, and digital marketing. We are committed to delivering the Cardano Next Gen campaign with the highest levels of trust, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that all activities are conducted ethically, responsibly, and in alignment with the values and principles of the Cardano community.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Project Design and Curriculum Development

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development of the educational curriculum and materials (courses, tutorials, guides) on blockchain, Cardano, and dApp development, tailored to teenagers.
• Creation of a project website or platform to host educational resources and engagement tools.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The educational materials are age-appropriate, engaging, and reviewed by educators and blockchain experts.
• The website/platform is fully functional, user-friendly, and ready to host content and participants.
• Partnerships with relevant stakeholders are established and formalized.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Signed-off educational content, verified by educators and blockchain experts.
• A live website or platform with a user-ready interface and initial content uploaded.

Milestone 2: Pilot Program and Initial Engagement

A: Milestone Outputs

• Launch of the pilot educational program involving a select group of teenagers.
• Conduct workshops, webinars, or online classes with interactive learning on Cardano and blockchain.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• A minimum number of teenagers actively enrolled and participating in the pilot.
• Positive feedback from participants indicating a basic understanding of blockchain and Cardano.
• Gamified rewards and incentives system functioning and motivating engagement.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Participant numbers and attendance logs from workshops/webinars.
• Feedback surveys from participants showing satisfaction and knowledge gained.
• Distribution of digital badges or rewards, tracked through the platform.

Milestone 3: Expansion and Full Program Rollout

A: Milestone Outputs

• Expansion of the program to a wider audience, including additional schools, community groups, or online communities.
• Increased collaboration with Cardano community leaders for mentorship and support.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The full program has been successfully launched with new participants and sustained engagement.
• Advanced learning modules are accessible and well-received by teenagers, with participants showing higher proficiency.
• Cardano community members actively involved as mentors or guides.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Increased participant numbers and completion of advanced modules.
• Recorded interactions between teenagers and Cardano mentors through the platform.

Final Milestone: Long-Term Integration and Impact Reporting

A: Milestone Outputs

• Continued community involvement and long-term participation in the Cardano ecosystem by program graduates.
• Public reports and case studies showcasing the program's success and lessons learned.
• Regular updates on new opportunities, partnerships, and developments from the project.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Program graduates actively contributing to Cardano through dApps, governance, or other ecosystem initiatives.
• Reports and case studies published and shared across Cardano and educational platforms.
• Ongoing collaboration with Cardano stakeholders, ensuring project sustainability.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Published reports and case studies available on public forums and educational platforms.
• Documentation of new partnerships and future initiatives stemming from the project.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

UDOMA OBU

Role: Project Manager; Udoma is an experienced project manager and creative director with a passion for brand storytelling through film, photography, and poetry. He holds a great passion in tech related brand storytelling ever since he transitioned into tech. Udoma will be in charge of coordinating all aspects of the project, ensuring that tasks are completed on time on every specific milestone.

Edet Ekpenyong

Executive MBA, is of vast experience in community engagement, leadership, and project management. Blockchain and AI researcher with expertise in ZKPs and decentralized technology.

KINGSLEY EFFIONG

Role: Community Manager; Kingsley is a dedicated program’s manager, with a string interest in expanding global goals in tech, he has a broad experience of over 15 years in program management. Kingsley will be the team lead in engaging with our target audience, answering questions and fostering a supportive online and physical community around the Cardano Next Gen campaign.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Curriculum and Content Development - 15,000

• Blockchain & Cardano Educational Material Creation: 10,000
• Research and development of educational content (videos, tutorials, guides).
• Curriculum designed specifically for teenagers, including blockchain fundamentals, Cardano applications, and dApp development.
• Review and Expertise Fees: 5,000
• Payment for blockchain experts and educators to review and provide feedback on content.

2. Platform and Website Development - 20,000

• Website/Platform Development: 12,000
• Development of a user-friendly website or platform to host educational content, quizzes, challenges, and forums.
• Gamification Tools: 4,000
• Development of an incentive system for participants, including digital badges, leaderboards, and rewards.
• Maintenance and Hosting Costs: 4,000
• Hosting fees, platform updates, and technical support for the duration of the project.

3. Workshops and Pilot Program Implementation - 15,000

• Instructor Fees and Training: 7,500
• Compensation for instructors or facilitators conducting online and offline workshops and training.
• Workshop Logistics (online/offline): 4,000
• Costs associated with organizing webinars, promotional materials, and logistics for in-person events if needed.
• Software Tools & Resources: 3,500
• Subscriptions to necessary tools (like video conferencing, content management systems, and collaboration tools) for running workshops.

4. Marketing and Community Engagement - 15,000

• Marketing and Promotion: 8,000
• Creating and running promotional campaigns (social media, Cardano community outreach, influencer partnerships) to attract participants and raise awareness.
• Community Building: 4,000
• Organizing online communities, forums, and networking events to engage teens and Cardano community members.
• Public Relations and Outreach: 3,000
• Media outreach, PR services, and collaboration with education institutions or partners.

5. Incentives and Rewards - 10,000

• Participant Incentives: 6,000
• Digital rewards, scholarships, and prizes for completing courses, challenges, and dApp development tasks.
• Cardano ADA Rewards: 4,000
• Allocation of ADA tokens as rewards for participants who achieve specific milestones in the program (e.g., completing modules, building projects).

6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting - 5,000

• Data Analysis and Impact Measurement: 3,000
• Tools and services for tracking program success, participant engagement, and skills development metrics.
• Report Creation and Dissemination: 2,000
• Writing and publishing reports, case studies, and impact stories to be shared with the Cardano community and educational stakeholders.

Total Cost: $80,000

This budget provides a comprehensive allocation to ensure successful project design, content creation, platform development, implementation, and ongoing engagement with the Cardano community and teenage participants.

No dependencies

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

This project is not merely an expense; it is a strategic allocation of resources that is expected to yield significant long-term benefits for the Cardano ecosystem by fostering innovation, expanding the user base, enhancing reputation, and directly contributing to community growth.