How It Works

The loop that makes everything work

Common Fabric connects community organizations, apprentices, and senior practitioners in a loop where everyone contributes and everyone benefits.

Start a Project

Phase 1

Community org brings a real need

Not a prototype. Not a learning exercise. A real digital product that the organization needs to operate more effectively.

Apps, dashboards, automations, data tools

Scoped with a delivery lead before work begins

Priced at rates that respect nonprofit budgets

What your org gets

A shipped digital product

Not a mockup. Something that runs.

Senior-led delivery

A practitioner manages the studio and ensures quality.

Fair, transparent pricing

Scoped upfront. No surprises.

Studio is assembled

Phase 2

A studio forms around the project

Experienced practitioners don't just supervise - they lead. They scope the work, run the studio, and mentor apprentices through every delivery.

Studio LeadSenior Practitioner

2-4 ApprenticesRegistered, cohort-matched

Delivery LeadScopes + manages timeline

Studios are project-specific - they form for this CBO, this project, this timeline. Then dissolve.

Work begins in earnest

Phase 3

Apprentices learn by shipping

Not studying about the work. Doing the work. Under expert guidance, on a real project, with real stakes.

Pair programming and design reviews with the Studio Lead

Weekly check-ins scoped to the delivery timeline

Blocked hours counted toward registered apprenticeship

Every verified hour earns one Prova credential

PROVA (PVA)

1 verified hour = 1 credential

Non-transferable - belongs to the person

Soulbound - can't be sold or traded

24-month expiry - rewards active work

Machine-readable by any employer

Project ships

Phase 4

Credentials close the loop

The apprentice leaves with a Prova-verified record of every hour of work. Not a certificate. Not a badge. A portable, machine-readable credential.

Credentials are portable and machine-readable. Any employer can verify what work was done, when, and under whose supervision.

THE LOOP CONTINUES

CBO has a working product

Apprentice has verified credentials

Practitioner gets paid fairly

Value funds the next cohort

THE FULL LOOP

CBO brings need

Studio forms

Apprentices ship

Credentials issued

Loop repeats

COMMON QUESTIONS

How it actually works

How long does a project take?

Most projects run 6-12 weeks depending on scope. Every project is scoped before work begins, so timelines are clear from the start.

Who manages the apprentices?

The Studio Lead - a senior practitioner - manages day-to-day delivery. They are responsible for quality, mentorship, and shipping.

What kinds of projects does CF take on?

Web apps, dashboards, data tools, automations, and coordination systems. If it helps a CBO operate more effectively, we're interested.

What if the project isn't finished?

Projects are scoped to be achievable in the timeline. If something slips, the Studio Lead works with the CBO to prioritize and adjust.

Ready to get started?

Bring a project, join as an apprentice, or lead a studio.

Start a project Apply to the Academy Lead a studio