Organization Description: [Please share any context around your organization and how this project coincides with wider Organizational goals]

Note for employers: By clearly defining the scope, students can grasp the project's depth and requirements, ensuring they can meet expectations within the designated timeframe.

Project Overview:

This project focuses on building or optimizing a simple, high-impact website for our organization, designed for visibility, functionality, and accessibility. Learners will develop or enhance a lightweight site using tools like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress, ensuring it supports outreach, donations, and credibility.

Project Duration: 6 Weeks

Project Hours: 150

Project Hours Per Learner: 30

Project Scope & Expectations:

Learners will engage in:

• Creating or improving a basic informational website aligned with the organization’s branding and goals
• Ensuring mobile responsiveness and ADA/WCAG accessibility compliance
• Implementing basic SEO and a Google Business Profile to improve online presence
• Setting up essential features like contact forms, newsletters, and donation buttons (if applicable)
• Documenting processes and providing a basic website maintenance guide for internal staff

Project Timeline & Deliverables:

Week 1: Project Kickoff & Needs Assessment (~2 hours per learner)

• Team introductions and review of project scope 
• Overview of the organization’s mission, website goals, and target audience
• Review of any existing website or digital assets
• Define functional goals and key website pages

Week 2: Initial Design & Platform Setup (~4 hours per learner)

• Select platform (e.g., Wix, WordPress, Squarespace)
• Draft site structure and key page layouts (homepage, about, contact, etc.)
• Assign learner roles for development tasks

Deliverable: Initial site structure and layout wireframes (PDF or shared document)

Week 3: Site Development & Core Content (~6 hours per learner)

• Build out core site pages using approved content and branding
• Implement embedded forms, buttons, and any third-party tools
• Ensure functional navigation and site organization

Deliverable: Functional draft of the live website (staging link with documentation of completed sections)

Week 4: SEO, Mobile & Accessibility Enhancements (~6 hours per learner)

• Ensure mobile responsiveness across all pages
• Apply basic SEO (metadata, alt tags, keyword headers)
• Use free tools to assess ADA/WCAG compliance and adjust formatting as needed

Deliverable: SEO & Accessibility Review Summary (document outlining checks and fixes)

Week 5: Final Touches & Employer Review (~6 hours per learner)

• Collect employer feedback and make content or layout revisions
• Test contact forms, links, and basic site functionality
• Prepare for handoff and presentation

Deliverable: Final live website link and completion checklist (shared via doc or spreadsheet)

Week 6: Handoff & Documentation (~6 hours per learner)

• Compile and finalize internal documentation for future updates
• Present a project summary and demonstration of the website
• Deliverables: Website Maintenance Guide (PDF format, with screenshots or step-by-step guidance)
• Final Website Demo Presentation (slide deck outlining goals, structure, and handoff details)

Final Deliverables:

• Fully functional website with homepage, contact form, and basic SEO
• Accessibility & mobile responsiveness summary
• Website Maintenance Guide for future updates
• Presentation deck summarizing project scope, structure, and recommendations

Working Expectations:

Learners are expected to receive practical real world job experience in exchange for completion of tangible deliverables of a successfully completed project. Employers are expected to provide mentorship, guidance, and clear expectations to students and regular communication with the AscentUP team.