What kinds of projects are typically completed?
The projects can be broken up into four different topics:
- Accessibility
- Education
- Mobility
- Renewable Energy
- Sustainability
They can also be categorized into three work types:
- Building and Creation
- Design and Modeling
- Research and Policy Recommendations
To see examples of these types and topics of projects, visit the Project Page here.
How much time do students put into a project?
Between the preparatory term and the work done in Copenhagen, student groups of 4 spend over 1800 total hours on their projects.
What does an organization gain from sponsoring a project?
The students begin working on their projects for seven weeks before arriving in Denmark. During this time, they write a formal project proposal and investigate issues with respect to the project. Once they arrive in Copenhagen, the students work for another seven weeks, collaborating with your organization to produce some form of solution.
How do students and organizations collaborate throughout a project?
Before arriving in Copenhagen, students will contact their sponsors periodically though email or video calls. After the students arrive, the group works on the project independently from the sponsor, with meetings several times a week to check in on the progress being made.
What are the backgrounds and qualifications of the students who come to the center?
WPI recruits active, project-oriented individuals who learn to work in a fast-paced environment. These students are in their third year and typically study science and engineering, while still being well rounded in other areas. They spend 7 weeks before coming to Copenhagen researching the project and its surrounding issues.
What responsibilities does a project sponsor have?
Sponsor responsibilities include:
• Providing a short (one-page) description of the project, prior to its start.
• Providing a Liaison for students to contact.
• Engaging with the student team through video call or email while they are preparing for the project.
• Providing a space for the students to work during their 7 weeks in Copenhagen.
• Providing guidance, supervision, and support for the project during the 7 weeks students are in Copenhagen.
• This includes weekly meetings with the team and faculty advisors and almost daily contact with the team. This typically adds up to about 3-10 hours per week.
Can organizations become long term sponsors of the Project Center?
Typically, organizations only sponsor one project at a time, but some have sponsored two simultaneously. Many organizations have worked with the Project Center for multiple years, sometimes sponsoring continuation projects for larger issues.