Your team’s starting point

Listen. Build.
Make it useful.

A real regional problem. A community client. A team with something to contribute. Start with one small thing that works.

I need to set up →Explore project ideas

The challenge starts with people.

The symposium’s challenge is chosen at the event. Use the project library for inspiration and practice; work with your teacher and community client on the assigned challenge when the build begins.

  1. Understand the need

    Ask your client who needs help, what is difficult today, and what a useful outcome would look like. Write one sentence everyone agrees on.

  2. Choose a small first version

    Pick one task your project should do well. Assign flexible roles: client interviewer, builder, tester, and storyteller. An eligible account owner operates the AI tool; never share passwords.

  3. Build, try, improve

    Use a new project folder and fictional data. Ask the assistant to explain its changes. Test with your client and fix the most important problem first. Ask a circulating volunteer for help.

  4. Show the result

    Explain who it helps, show the working feature, and share what you learned. Name one limitation and one next improvement. Save a local copy before leaving.

Give your assistant a clear start.

We are a student/teacher team building a small solution for a Southwest Virginia community client. Ask us who the client is, what problem matters most, and what challenge the organizers assigned. Do not assume the challenge. Help us choose one achievable feature. Use fictional sample data and work only in our new project folder. Explain each step, help us test with our client, and prepare a short demonstration. Ask before installing anything, publishing, sending messages, or using a paid service. Follow our school and provider account rules.

Use the full own-idea guide · Browse 110 project starters

Start close to home.

Learning and opportunity

A study helper, career-path explorer, or plain-language guide. Let learners test what helps.

Community needs

A resource directory, volunteer matcher, or donation planner. Use sample records until information is verified.

Everyday work

A clearer checklist, a small planning tool, or a way to organize repeated tasks. Make one person’s next step easier.

These are starting points, not the announced challenge. Your client’s needs guide the build.