Proof-of-Concept Pilot · Philadelphia · Fiscally Sponsored

Turn effort into outcomes: a student-driven incentive program that boosts motivation and follow-through

Yivara enables middle and high school students to set goals, complete assignments, and earn meaningful rewards funded by parents or community sponsors—released only after teacher verification.

Pilot Snapshot (2025–2026)

450–600
Students
2–3 schools, 15–20 classrooms
↑ 25–30%
On-time homework
teacher-verified
↑ 15%
Participation
class engagement

Fiscally sponsored by Better Life For All, Inc. (501(c)(3)).

Parent or sponsor-funded rewards; funds disbursed upon verification.

Privacy-first, audit-trailed approvals; clear refund and dispute flows.

Overview

What Yivara is and why it matters

Yivara is a digital learning incentive program that empowers youth to turn academic milestones into meaningful rewards funded by parents or community sponsors. The model connects student goal-setting, teacher verification, and parent/sponsor engagement in one system—creating immediate motivation and durable habits of persistence.

Student-centered goals aligned to assignments, behavior, or attendance.

Teacher verification required before any reward is released.

Transparent sponsor/parent wallet with escrow-like holds and auto-refunds on non-completion.

Popular Questions

Is it equitable? We prioritize schools serving underserved youth and cap reward values.

Is it sustainable? Mixed funding: parents + local sponsors + school partners.

Is it safe? Role-based access, audit trails, and clear consent flows.

Model

How it works

1) Students set goals

Students pick goals tied to assignments, attendance, or behavior.

Parents/sponsors pledge funds to a secure wallet for each goal.

2) Teachers verify

Teachers approve completion in seconds (quick-log mode).

Disputes trigger a simple, time-boxed review flow.

3) Rewards release

Funds are released only after verification; otherwise auto-refund.

Super-goals (higher value) require parent + admin co-approval.

Expected Outcomes

Measurable impact in the first pilot year

Academic & engagement metrics

25–30% increase in on-time homework submission (teacher-verified).

15% improvement in classroom participation.

Persistence across marking periods (reduced fall-off).

Youth wellbeing & SEL

Higher motivation and sense of accomplishment.

Confidence, resilience, and goal-management skills.

Student voice: youth define meaningful goals with adult support.

Safeguards

Equity, privacy, and program integrity

Equity guardrails

Reward ceilings; prioritization for underserved schools.

Rewards can be pre-selected goals (e.g., Amazon items or gift cards) that parents approve and fund in advance; students unlock them only after teacher-verified completion.

Transparent criteria to avoid favoritism.

Privacy & consent

Parental consent and role-based access controls.

Audit logs for all approvals and releases.

Age-appropriate communication and data minimization.

Financial integrity

Escrow-like holds; auto-refund on non-completion or disputes.

Segregated wallets; fiscal sponsor oversight.

Clear refund timelines shown in-app.

Pilot

Philadelphia Proof-of-Concept (2025–2026)

Nov–Dec 2025

Confirm 2–3 school partners; teacher onboarding.

Parent/sponsor wallet setup; equity guardrails configured.

Jan–May 2026

Live student goal cycles; verification and reward releases.

Mid-pilot review with partners and youth feedback.

Jun–Jul 2026

Final evaluation and reporting to funders.

Scale plan: add schools, expand sponsor network.

Budget

Lean, high-leverage use of funds

Technology & hosting
$18,000
Program coordination
$12,000
Teacher stipends & training
$8,000
Student rewards fund
$15,000
Plus evaluation & reporting ($4,000) and fiscal sponsor admin (7% est.). Totals align to a $60,000 proof-of-concept request.
Partners

Governance and partnerships

Fiscal sponsorship

Yivara is fiscally sponsored by Better Life For All, Inc. (501(c)(3)).

Grant funds flow through sponsor with compliant oversight.

School partners

Target: 2–3 Philadelphia schools; 15–20 classrooms.

Letters of support available upon request.

Community & sponsors

Local businesses and families can fund student goals.

Transparent recognition guidelines (opt-in only).

FAQ

Common Questions

How do you prevent inequity?

We cap reward values, prioritize underserved schools, and enable pre-selected goals (e.g., Amazon items or gift cards) that are only unlocked after teacher-verified completion. Sponsor visibility is opt-in and audited to avoid favoritism.

What about privacy and consent?

Parents provide consent; teachers and admins have role-based permissions. All actions are logged. We minimize student data and use clear retention policies.

Is the model sustainable?

Sustainability comes from blended funding: parents, community sponsors, and school partners. Grants fund the initial proof-of-concept and evaluation.

How will you evaluate success?

We track teacher-verified homework completion, participation, and persistence. Student/teacher surveys capture motivation and SEL gains.
Parents • Sponsors • Schools

How you can support your student’s success—or bring Yivara to your school

Program Overview

Yivara lets you pledge a small reward toward a clear student goal (for example: “Finish three essays by Friday”).

The reward is held in escrow and is only released after the teacher verifies the goal was completed.

If the goal isn’t completed or is disputed, the funds are automatically refunded.

Parents and sponsors can choose pre-approved rewards like Amazon items or gift cards that are unlocked only after completion.

Join the waiting list

How it works (at a glance)
Parent / Sponsor /School / AdministratorPledge goes tosecure escrowStudent works ongoal / assignmentTeacher verifies$

If the teacher confirms completion, the reward is released. If not, the pledge is refunded. Schools and administrators can enable pre-approved reward catalogs and set caps per goal or per term.

Contact

Get in touch

Primary contact
Ornella Otis Mafo Silatcha, Founder & CEO
yivarahq@gmail.com
Fiscal sponsor
Better Life For All, Inc. (501(c)(3))
Philadelphia focus
Serving local schools and youth organizations
Reviewer kit
Letters of support, pilot budget, timeline

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