Actually Kenny, you hit it on the nose.

Here is the process as-envisioned:

  1. A prospective student has a gread project idea
  2. LispNYC reviews student and idea
  3. If we determine that idea and student are considered worthy, then
LispNYC says yeah or nay.
  4. (if (eq 'nay (lisp-nyc-review-process student) 'adios) (progn ...
))
  5. We think they've got a fighting chance then LispNYC pledges $500
  6. Student works and works and works
  7. Google reviews everything and the grants are awarded.
  8. If they're not funded by Google, then we give them the $500


Since our intent is to attract smart motivated students to get a
head-start on the work rather than motivated shysters, then we should
carefully consider this.  Everything comes with risks and this needs to
mitigate our risk rather than increase it.

Please consider this, carefully.

The RCP process is exactly the same review that we use for Google.
However, for a mere $500, it allows us:

  * More time to scrutinize the student.
  * Determine whether she is sufficiently motivated to complete the
project.
  * Better determine their technical chops, in Lisp or otherwise.