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ALX Foundations
Program
Summary Doc -
Students
Last Updated: October 18, 2023

This summary serves solely as a program

guide and is subject to adjustment.
Content and modules may be
rearranged, moved and updated to
better meet program learning objectives,
requirements and learners’ success.
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Month 1
Week 1
Topics ● Karibu Ceremony ● Africa's GCGO's (Global Challenges and Global
● Tech Onboarding - Your personal toolkit Opportunities)
● All about ALX ● Community Code of Conduct
● The Room Fellowship ● ALX Code of Conduct
● Program and Portal Deep Dive ● Peer Review
● Mindsets to succeed ● 8 Meta Skills Overview

Learning ● I feel welcomed and part of the ALX Community

● I am ready and Equipped to begin my time at ALX
Objectives
● I understand the mission, values and mindsets of ALX and I am motivated to be a part of it and actively use them
● I know where to go & who to go to if I have questions
● I know the key components of the program, especially what skills I am going to build
● I am familiar with the tools, locations and processes I need to use to fully engage with the program

Milestone ● Survey and pdf screenshot of submission page

Key Messages ● Get successfully set up on/with all learning platforms and tools
● Understand program requirements
● Know your community and understand ALX, its partner institutions, the mission and vision, and how it all fits together

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to getting set up on all platforms and tools and understanding program expectations
Distribution
Week 2
Topics ● GCGOs Snapshot & Reflection ● RULER method
● Ethics in Tech ● Tiny Habits
● Self Awareness ● Time Management & Goal-setting
● Emotional Intelligence ● Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive and Docs)
● PICS ● GROW Model
● Exploring my Strengths and Weaknesses ● Intro to Peer Coaching
● Intro to Grit, Growth Mindset & Proactivity ● Empathy for Problem Solving

Learning ● I can plan, organize and prioritize my time so I submit my work and show up for meetings on time.
● I regularly practice habits that allow me to be aware of and regulate my emotions and well-being.
Objectives
● I can articulate the importance of PICS in my journey to self actualization.
● I can attain a deep understanding of a problem and the specific user that has that problem in order to identify an opportunity.
(using empathy map).
● I am able to make decisions that are guided by a strong set of enduring core values that enable me to strengthen my character.
● I can articulate my strengths and weaknesses as a young professional.
● I can articulate the importance of PICS (Passions, Interests, Causes, Strengths) in my journey to self actualization.
● I understand my role in the teams I belong to and my level of contribution to the effectiveness of those teams.
● I am able to make decisions that are guided by a strong set of enduring core values that enable me to strengthen my character.
● I regularly practice habits that allow me to be aware of and regulate my emotions and well-being.
● I take responsibility for my own learning journey by identifying gaps in my knowledge and skills and seeking out resources to
support my growth.
● I understand the ethical implications of using AI in my work.
● consistently participate in peer coaching sessions with my peers.
● I can effectively manage documents and calendars.

Milestone ● "My Personal Mission Statement" submission: Report/Reflection on Peer Coaching

Key Messages ● The reason that we speak of the GCGOs and the need to align one’s career with a bigger purpose / mission
● Importance of developing Emotional Intelligence to be a more effective leader

Time Distribution ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to learning about the GCGOs and Google Drive Part I
Week 3
Topics ● Tiny Habits Review ● How to Use Problem Solving Approaches
● Morning Papers ● In Depth Dive: GCGOs
● Women Empowerment ● Intro to Asking Effective Questions
● Intro to Problem Definition ● Creating Hypotheses & Research Questions
● Cool Head Warm Heart Model ● Google Workspace (Sheets & Slides)
● McKinsey Problem Solving Framework

Learning ● I can plan, organize and prioritize my time so I submit my work and show up for meetings on time.
● I regularly practice habits that allow me to be aware of and regulate my emotions and well-being.
Objectives
● I can demonstrate and practice how to take active steps to achieve a goal using the Fogg Behavior Model.
● I am constantly improving myself through readings and other resources.
● I can understand and contextualize a problem.
● I can identify which types of questions to ask and in what context.
● I can describe a problem in a way that is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and is
contextualized in terms of the 5 W's (Who, What, Where, Why, When).
● I can formulate specific and solvable questions from a general problem or problem statement.
● I can formulate specific and measurable hypotheses for my research question.
● I can find relevant and accurate information from reliable and valid sources.
● I cite my sources properly and consistently.
● I can distill important and relevant findings from large amounts of information.
● I can effectively manage documents and calendars.
● I can visualize my work using online tools.

Milestone ● Problem Statement and Research Questions & Hypothesis Submission

Key Messages ● Problem definition can take multiple approaches, and it’s important to know which approach to choose depending on context
● When conducting research, it is crucial to ask the right questions and use the right sources

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to the modules on Problem Definition and Research Questions
Distribution
Week 4
Topics ● Meditation
● Research Methodology & Citations
● Google Workspace (Sheets & Slides)
● Scope Management, Tools & Techniques for Projects
● Writing foundations: Storytelling, Writing Best
● Stories, Problems & Impact Assessment.
● Research Methodology & Citations
● Using Ethos, Pathos & Logos
● Identifying Key Messages & Illustrating the Problem
● Work Planning & Resource Allocation

Learning ● I can plan, organize and prioritize my time so I submit my work and show up for meetings on time.
● I regularly practice habits that allow me to be aware of and regulate my emotions and well-being.
Objectives
● I can distill important and relevant findings from large amounts of information
● I can determine whether there are sufficient resources to push through with a certain decision or recommendation
● I can understand and analyze information from multiple sources to construct a unique claim or take a unique position on a topic.
● I can write succinct but informative and engaging online content.
● I can structure a story effectively to create maximum impact on an audience.
● I can use the structured problem to begin to build arguments and draw connections between problem components and insights.
● I can create actionable and realistic work plans.
● I can manage the scope of a project.
● I can project manage my work using online tools
● I know how to follow the writing process to pre-write, organize and incorporate feedback into my final draft.
● I have a solid understanding of the rules of grammar and I apply them to improve the quality of my writing.
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the ALX tech programs.

Milestone ● Slide presentation on chosen GCGO problem, research findings, analysis and illustration of problem with user in mind

Key Messages ● It is critical to be able to plan appropriately for big pieces of work
● There is true power in storytelling and knowing how to speak to the right audience

Time ● You will spend most of your time this week on researching and creating a presentation on your GCGO
Distribution
 Week 5

Transition
Week
Privileged and confidential. All Rights Reserved

Month 2
Week 6
Topics ● Team Assignments ● Getting to Know Your User
● Sprint planning meetings and retros ● Creating an Empathy Map
● Stages of Working in a Team ● Drawing Insights
● Agile Technology Teams ● Defining User vs. Customer
● Problem Definition Review ● Size of the Opportunity
● My Chosen GCGO ● Trends in the industry
● Working with peers ● Intro to Research Gathering & Data
● Human Centered Design ● Data Preparation Techniques
● BUILD Framework ● Tracking Down a Relevant Dataset
● Design Thinking ● Intro to Data Visualization

Learning ● I can plan, organize and prioritize my time so I submit my work and show up for meetings on time.
● I actively listen and engage in group discussions and help the team work toward building consensus by suggesting compromises,
Objectives
alternative approaches, etc
● I can synthesize learnings and information from research
● I can validate an identified problem by interviewing users and conducting a root cause analysis
● I can express and define a validated problem in a concise problem statement supported by user insights
● I can define specific customer segments and differentiate between the user and the customer for my solution including stating
the market size for this problem (i.e. how many people have said problem)
● I can identify an opportunity based on a rigorous understanding of the problem, the target user, customer, and market

Milestone ● Personal Write up on first team meeting

Key Messages ● Using an agile approach enhances team collaboration and output.
● Data preparation and visualization are important to make informed decision-making

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to the modules, and team meetings
Distribution
Week 7
Topics ● Leadership & Followership ● The SCAMPER technique
● Leadership types ● Bad Idea brainstorming
● What Makes a Teammate Truly Outstanding? ● Idea generation techniques
● What is a Prototype? ● Evidence-based reasoning
● What is a wireframe? ● Introduction to Logic
● Popular wireframe tools ● Preparing to Conduct User Interviews
● Creative Innovation ● Empathy for Problem Solving Review
● Divergent vs Convergent thinking ● Types of questions
● Tips for successful user interview

Learning ● I can define what leadership is and articulate the type of leader I want to be
● I actively volunteer useful knowledge, opinions, skills to help the group learn and complete a given task.
Objectives
● I conceptually understand what a prototype is, what types of prototypes exist, and why it is important in creating solutions
● I can create a prototype with key functions and features that allow me to test assumptions to further improve my understanding
of the target user and problem.
● I can create a user centered solution that directly addresses the problem identified describing how it works in a written form
● I can apply strong qualitative reasoning behind recommendations
● I can demonstrate empathizing with a user of a problem I want to solve for by observing interviewing and receiving feedback
from them
● I understand the value of empathy, its essence and constituent components
● I can create an effective interview guide
● I can formulate specific and solvable questions from a general problem or problem statement

Milestone ● Compilation of problem statements, idea collections, and team reflections

Key Messages ● Problem definition can take multiple approaches, and it’s important to know which approach to choose depending on context
● When conducting research, it is crucial to ask the right questions and use the right sources

Time ● You will spend most of your time this week on creating problem statements and idea generation
Distribution
Week 8
Topics ● Conflict Management (approach, methods & tips) ● Prototypes and Wireframes
● Negotiation: BATNA x Rapport ● Steps to Creating a 3D Prototype
● Negotiation: Listening and Tradeoffs ● Steps to Creating a Wireframe
● Human Centered Design Recap ● Prioritizing Your Prototype Features
● BUILD Framework Recap ● Types of User Interview Questions
● Design Thinking Recap ● Consent Form
● User Personas Recap ● User Interview Checklist - 3D Prototype & Wireframes

Learning ● I am able to respond to conflict, make compromises during conflict, build on others' ideas, and synthesize team discussions to
move the team towards a decision.
Objectives
● I can negotiate effectively in professional situations
● I can synthesize learnings and information from research
● I can consciously practice Empathy in my engagement with others and articulate this practice in written reflections
● I conceptually understand what a prototype is, what types of prototypes exist, and why it is important in creating solutions
● I can create an effective interview guide
● I can demonstrate empathizing with a user of a problem I want to solve for by observing interviewing and receiving feedback
from them
● I can improve on my idea(s) by incorporating feedback from research and users. I can take active steps to improve, alter or
pivot my solution using feedback
● I can create an effective interview guide

Milestone ● Your/your team's wireframes or 3D prototype

● A report on your 2 user interviews, and a reflection on how things are going with your team

Key Messages ● Conflict management and negotiations are important skills for team collaboration and user engagement
● Prototyping and wireframing are important skills you need for effective user interactions

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go into your project
Distribution
Week 9
Topics ● User Journey Mapping ● Powerful Message
● Finalizing Prototype Scope ● Pitching to Tech Leadership
● Product Requirements Document (PRD) ● Powerful Presentations
● Identifying Constraints ● A Presentation on Presentations
● Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) ● Powerful Slides
● Design Handovers in Tech Teams ● Powerful Speaking
● Best Practices When Conducting Design Hand-Overs ● Powerful Presentation Tools
● Audience Awareness Recap ● Video Production Tools
● Audience Expectations & Needs ● Video Recording Considerations
● Audience's Needs x Powerful Message ● Editing Your Video

Learning ● I can improve on my idea(s) by incorporating feedback from research and users. I can take active steps to improve, alter or
pivot my solution using feedback
Objectives
● I can prioritize ideas and/or action steps using different and appropriate prioritization tools/techniques
● I can use my understanding about the customer and the market for my solutions to determine the key activities and cost
structures
● I can articulate the value of understanding the interconnected factors that inform a problem/need in order to craft a
sustainable solution
● I can use my understanding of a specific audience to decide what content is most relevant to and effective for them
● I can understand an audience’s expectations and needs through research and tactics such as empathy mapping
● I can write succinct but informative and engaging online content
● I utilize industry best practices for video conferencing

Milestone ● A slide deck with details of your GCGO, problem, data, and team solution
● A showcase of your wireframes or 3D prototype

Key Messages ● To create a successful project, you need to know how to recognize constraints and define KPIs
● Effective design handovers ensure smooth transitions and collaborations within tech teams

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to the modules, and creating a solid slide deck
Distribution
 Week 10

Transition
Week
Privileged and confidential. All Rights Reserved

Month 3
Week 11
Topics ● Peer Coaching Recap ● Opportunity Area: Cloud Computing
● The GROW Model Recap ● Opportunity Area: Apps & Tools
● Intro to Opportunity Identification ● Opportunity Area: Artificial Intelligence
● Opportunity Area: Big Data ● Opportunity Area: Entrepreneurship
● Opportunity Area: Software as a Service

Learning ● I can plan, organize and prioritize my time so I submit my work and show up for meetings on time
● I consistently participate in peer coaching sessions with my peers
Objectives
● I can apply different feedback model techniques to give specific and objective feedback to others.
● I can identify an opportunity based on a rigorous understanding of the problem, the target user, customer and market.
● I understand the key trends in tech in the 21st century
● I have built a habit of asking peers and people I report to for feedback on specific elements of my development
● I consistently participate in peer coaching sessions with my peers
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Software Engineering program.
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the the the Salesforce program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Data Analyst program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Data Scientist program

Milestone ● Tech track interest, Your Why, Problem Identification and User/Market Inquiry

Key Messages ● Coming up with solutions involves not only human-centered design, but also understanding the market landscape

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to conducting user interviews
Distribution
Week 12
Topics ● Recap on GCGO ● Software Engineering Specialization
● Holding on to Your GCGO ● Your Personal Brand
● Intro to The Internet and the WWW ● Building Your Confidence
● Tech Literacy: How the Web Works ● Elevator Pitches
● Data Analytics & Data Science Specializations ● Hub Activity: Elevator Pitch
● Salesforce Specialization ● Writing Your Bio
● AWS Specialization

Learning ● I can improve on my idea(s) by incorporating feedback from research and users. I can take active steps to improve, alter or pivot
my solution using feedback
Objectives
● I can articulate the importance of PICS (Passions, Interests, Causes, Strengths) in my journey to self actualization
● I can attain a deep understanding of a problem and the specific user that has that problem in order to identify an opportunity.
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Data Scientist program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Data Analyst program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the the the Salesforce program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Software Engineering program.
● I can craft a well structured email that observes industry best practice
● I can design an aesthetically pleasing and effective presentation
● I can deliver effective presentations
● I can create a professional online persona

Milestone ● Daily 3 and Peer Coaching reflection. Elevator Pitch outline and Skills Map reflection.

Key Messages ● Your personal brand is important for your career success today
● Decision-making involves evaluation, stakeholder analysis, evidence-based arguments, and counter-response strategies

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to learning about the different ALX tracks
Distribution
Week 13
Topics ● Specialization deep dives ● ChatGPT: Implications
● AI Ethics in Your Industry ● Imposter Syndrome
● The rise of AI ● How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome
● Common Uses of AI

Learning ● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the the the Salesforce program
Objectives
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Data Analyst program
● I can state succinctly the value proposition of what is covered in the Data Scientist program
● I understand how Artificial Intelligence has shaped the world of work in the 21st century
● I understand the ethical implications of using AI in my work
● I understand the key roles present in a technical team and how they work together
● I understand the technical recruiting process
● I understand the career paths available in the tech industry
● I can project manage my work using online tools
● I can prioritize ideas and/or action steps using different and appropriate prioritization tools/techniques

Milestone ● Tech track choice reflection, research, industry expert interactions and imposter syndrome reflection

Key Messages ● Exploring the different tech tracks

● Overcoming imposter syndrome improves personal growth and confidence

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go to learning about the different ALX tracks
Distribution
Week 14
Topics ● Recap on Elevator Pitch ● What to Include in a Website
● Your "Elevated" Elevator Pitch ● Website Host, Website Builder and Domain Host
● Personal Branding ● Which Website Hosts to Choose
● What is a Portfolio? ● Your Domain Name
● Why is Building a Portfolio Important? ● Overview
● What Makes a Good Portfolio ● What to Include in Your Website
● Intro to Building Your Website ● Track specific content

Learning ● I can articulate my strengths and weaknesses as a young professional

● I can deliver effective presentations
Objectives
● I can create a professional technical portfolio
● I can design an aesthetically pleasing and effective presentation
● I can craft a well structured email that observes industry best practice
● I understand and am able to articulate the software development process including identifying key stages in the process
● I understand the key roles present in a technical team and how they work together
● I understand the career paths available in the tech industry

Milestone ● Share your personal website with bio, portfolio and elevator pitch outline

Key Messages ● Building a solid personal brand will help you stand out in the tech world

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go into building your personal brand
Distribution
Week 15
Topics ● Your Personal Toolkit ● Ecosystem Evaluation
● Foundations Reflections ● Elevator Pitch
● Your Website's Second Iteration ● Technical aspects of pitching
● How to review your website and portfolio ● Celebrating You!
● Improving Your Website

Learning ● I can articulate my strengths and weaknesses as a young professional

● I utilize industry best practices for video conferencing
Objectives
● I can create a professional technical portfolio
● I can create a professional online persona
● I can find relevant and accurate information from reliable and valid sources

Milestone ● Website updates, Peer Coaching, Journey Insights, and Skills Map revision

Key Messages ● Aim for the stars; the universe is your playground!

Time ● Largest amount of time in this week will go into reviews and finalizing your online portfolio
Distribution
Thank you!