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Compare peer programs on cost per participant
Practice: Catching mistakes and made-up facts. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
Your board asked how your after-school program's cost compares to 2 peer organizations. You want exactly 3 numbered lines, one per program, each showing the math (like "$240,000 / 300 = $800 per participant"), then a final line "Lowest:". Use each organization's latest annual report figures and only the numbers in your notes, plain text, nothing else.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Using an older report. Eastside's FY2025 numbers come first, and the AI may use them. Try: Say: "Use each organization's latest annual report."
- Counting hallway talk. The '300 kids' comment would make Harbor look even cheaper, and the AI may use it. Try: Add: "Use only figures from the reports."
- Explaining the gap. The AI speculates about why costs differ, which the board didn't ask. Try: Say: "Output only the 3 lines and Lowest."
- Not saying how many. The AI decides the length itself and usually returns more lines, one per program than you can use. Try: Be exact: "exactly 3 numbered lines, one per program."
- Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in the board packet. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."
What a strong prompt includes
- Asks for cost per participant
- Uses the latest reports
- Asks to show the math
- Says exactly how many
- Asks for plain text
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