Frequently Asked Questions?

1) What is the ultimate goal of S.A.B.I.D.?
The ultimate goal of the program is to make Pekin a better place on-line.  Many times a communities web site plays a strong influence on how visitors percieve your community.  S.A.B.I.D.'s goal is to organize, train, and utilitize high school students for promoting web development among local Pekin organizations.
 

2) What organizations can sign up for the program?
At this time, the program will be open to Global Connections 2000 members.  After the GC2000 partners have had a chance to apply, we will look to open up the program to other Pekin area non-profit organizations.
 

3) What students can sign up for the program?
Any student who will be enrolled at Pekin Community High School during the 1999-2000 school year.
 

4) What types of projects will the students be doing?
Here are several examples, however, you are not limited to them.  You are welcome to suggest other types of projects.
 

A) Training:
A high school student  could train someone on your staff in updating a particular web page/site.  We can arrange for a high school student to train your staff person at a time that is convient for both.  For example: We could match a high school student with a secretary who will be regularly posting notes from committee meetings.  The training could be set up on a regular basis such as every Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:40pm.  This will provide regular on-site support for your staff to ensure that training is successful.B) Build a first time site:
A student could be assigned to work for your organization to build a web page or site that does not currently exist.  For example: A specific department within your organization would like to develop a web site for the very first time and needs assistance with putting it together the first time.  Another example: Your organization may have a collection of archived photos or other documents that you would like to place on-line.  A student could be assigned to the project and you could set the deadlines and other guidelines.  Note: you may also combine this project with training so that a staff member could get trained in updating the web site once it's developed.

C) Web site audit:
A student could be assigned to produce an audit of your current web site.  The audit would be done in the format of your choice and contain the information that you need.  Example:  You need to give a PowerPoint presentation to your Board of Directors to update them on the development and progress of the web site.  The student could analyze, collect, and publish information that you need such as, number of visitors to your web site, where the visitors are coming from, how long they stay on the site, the most popular pages, etc.  They could also conduct an on-line survey to collect feedback and information from those who use your web site.  In addition, the students could provide recommendations related to the expansion or revision of the web site.

D) Web site makeover:
Perhaps you've always wanted to change the design of your current site, but have never had the time or skills.  A student could be assigned to provide enhancements to the site.  Any changes in the design of your web site would have to meet your approval.  In fact, you may choose to have a student put together a makeover of your web site just so that you can get ideas for future web site development.

5) Who trains the students in the producing web sites?
The students will be trained by the web development staff from Pekin School District 108.  The main trainer will be Jacob Bland, who will be begin training on June 14, 1999.
 

6) Who pays for the students?
The student wages ($6.00/hour) will be paid out of the Learning Community 2000 grant.
 

7) Who handles the finances of paying the students?  Who handles the time cards?
All financial work regarding student pay will be handled by Pekin School District 108.  However, if a student is working on-site at your organization, we will ask that a person in your organization send in the students timecard on a biweekly basis (this can even be done with a simple e-mail message).
 

8) What happens if our organization is unhappy with the products from the high school students?
Your organization may contact the web staff at Pekin School District 108 and we will assign another student to the project, work with the student, or terminate the project - whichever your organization prefers.
 

9) Where will the student be working?
Our goal for the program is to place the students on-site within your organization in order to give them a more real-life experience.  However, the exact location of where the students will work will depend on the project itself, the equipment needed, and other factors.  Each situation will be determined separately. 
 

10) What if my organization doesn't currently have the necessary equipment for producing the web site?
These factors will be taken into account before the projects begin and we'll do our best to provide the necessary resources to the students.

11) How much are the high school students paid?
$6.00 per hour.  Pay checks are sent out twice a month.
 

12) What happens after the first year of the program?
As of June 1, 2000 the S.A.B.I.D. program will undergo evaluation to determine the success of the program.  The program may continue after that date, however, it is unlikely that it will continue to be funded by the Learning Community 2000 grant.  However, you may choose to employ that student on your own. 
 

13) What happens if there are too many organizations who apply and not enough students for the work?
If this occurs, we will likely spread the work out over the next 12 months. Since some of the projects will be one-time only, we can finish them up and then move on the others.

14) What happens if there are too many students and not enough work?
The beauty of the current program is that we won't be hiring students until the projects are submitted.  Therefore, we'll be able to hire the number of students needed to take on the projects that exist.
 

15) What happens after I (a high school student) signs up for the program?
Brian Abeling will contact you no later than May 30, 1999 related to your participation in the program
 

16) What happens after my organization signs up for the program?
The project managers, Jacob Bland and Brian Abeling will notify you about your proposal.  We will also schedule a time to meet with you regarding the specifics of your proposal.