Cross-functional Enhancement: Equipping Underserved Engineering and Lab Talent for Excellence

Purpose, Mission, Goals

Diversity in higher education, particularly in fields like computing and engineering, remains a long-term challenge. Indigenous, Islanders and Hispanic are under-represented in STEM fields, including computing and therefore are lagging behind their overall share of the workforce. The purpose of this initiative is to secure financial resources to help uplift the underserved communities, addressing systemic challenges they face in accessing STEM education, training and job opportunities. The mission encompasses:

• Expanding opportunities for economic advancement and enhance quality of life in rural and isolated enclaves.

• Fostering equitability, resilience, and prosperity in underserved communities.
• Cultivating an equitable and competitive marketplace for all stakeholders.
• Attracting, inspiring, and retaining an engaged and motivated workforce.

This initiative aims to upskill the workforce, enhance access to opportunities, and mitigate the impact of climate change, ensuring a brighter future for all. The strategic goals encompass:

• Instituting cybersecurity training programs to enhance computing capabilities and integrate cyberinfrastructure into educational curricula.
• Diversifying remote and rural areas economy by empowering early-stage investigators, with a focus on underrepresented groups.
• Aligning small businesses with local economic goals and assisting small and micro businesses with access to financial markets.
• Promoting sustainable agricultural ecosystems through research, education, and extension projects.
• Increasing agriculture's role in local economy to reduce reliance on food import.

The Project Steering Committee will develop a governance framework outlining decision-making processes, reporting structures, and the roles and responsibilities of its members. 

Steering Committee: Composed of key project stakeholders, including representatives from indigenous communities, academia, and industry, responsible for decision-making and oversight.

Directors: Provide industry expertise, community engagement, and oversight.

Offering next-gen sustainable governance through responsible investing frameworks, transparent reporting and regulatory compliance, Project DARP - Decentralized Asset Responsibility Protocol - has been selected to support the functions of:

• Secretary: DARP's back-office autonomous agents will maintain project records and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Responsibility Board: DARP members will validate outcomes and issue IFGG coins rewards request. Coins can be used to purchase services on DARP.
• Advisory Council: DARP's experts in sustainability, chemistry, IoT, farming,and indigenous community affairs will provide guidance and oversight.
• Controller: DARP's middle-office autonomous agents will be responsible for verifying portfolio assets, monitoring valuations and validating financial reporting.

Workforce Development

During the first 18 months, the project is expected to create approximately 30 jobs, including researchers, educators, coordinators, and administrative staff. The Program will prioritize qualified workers and graduates from marginalized and vulnerable groups including Indigenous, Hispanic, Veterans and foster youth.

Allocation (USD)

• Outreach and Community Engagement: $200,000
• Agtech and Agrichemistry R&D: $2,500,000
• Administrative and Legal Expenses: $350,000
• Entrepreneurship Empowerment: $1,500,000
• Miscellaneous and Contingency: $500,000
• IT and Cybersecurity: $1,650,000
• Other Operational Expenses: $2,000,000
• Mentorship and Networking: $800,000
• Grants and Scholarships: $500,000
• Program Management: $1,000,000
• Site and Infrastructure: $5,000,000

Targets and Milestones 

Throughout the first 18-month period, the Project Steering Committee will provide oversight, make strategic decisions, and ensure the project remains aligned with its goals. Ready Player Institute may become eligible for receiving IFGG coins by demonstrating Quantified Positive Outcomes in underserved communities.

Generated Outputs:

• Startups and Innovations: Delivering hundreds of startups and innovative products or services in STEM fields through the incubation and acceleration programs.
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:  Developing a robust ecosystem of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors who collaborate and support each other within the incubator.
• Skilled Workforce: Increasing availability of highly skilled professionals in the local job market as incubator participants develop cross-functional expertise and experience.
• Research and Development: Advancing research and development by partnering with academic institutions and corporate R&D initiatives.

Projected Outcomes:

• High-income Skill Jobs: Creating jobs both directly within the incubator and indirectly as startups grow and hire employees.
• Talent Retention: Attracting and retaining STEM talent within the region, reducing brain drain and increasing local productivity.
• Market Expansion:  Connecting local and global markets, enhancing the region's economic prospects through startups and products.
• Economic Growth: Contributing to local economic growth and diversification by fostering innovation and attracting investments.

Enduring Impact:

• Community Engagement: Encouraging STEM education and involvement in innovation through continued engagement with underrepresented talent.
• Investment Magnet: Developing the region competitiveness and attraction as STEM-related investments destination for both from venture capitalists and established companies.
• Innovation Culture: Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a lasting environment for diversifying rural and remote regions economies.
• Educational Advancements: Enhancing STEM and farmer-entrepreneurs education through collaborations with educational institutions, leading to long-term improvements in the local workforce.

Comprehensive Reporting

Our commitment to transparency extends to the reporting of our activities, progress, and overall impact. Routine reports will be made available to our esteemed donors and stakeholders, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in our relentless pursuit of predefined objectives. Continuous engagement with underserved communities and other stakeholders will be a key priority to build trust and support.

Geography

SUMMARY

In summary, this Ready Player Institute’s inititative signifies an unwavering commitment to sustainable development and the empowerment of historically underserved communities, with a specific focus on Indigenous, Hispanics, Islanders and Veterans populace. Rooted in strategic objectives, purpose-driven initiatives, and rigorous reporting mechanisms, this endeavor aims to catalyze tangible change in the lives of those we serve and to advance the cause of sustainability for the broader society. Your support can serve as a catalyst for achieving these ambitious objectives and for ushering in a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

About Ready Player Institute

The Ready Player Institute is dedicated to advancing sustainable development and empowering historically underserved and underrepresented communities. Our commitment is deeply rooted in addressing socio-economic disparities and providing pathways to economic resilience and prosperity. Your support will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for these communities.