I have found that asking a student exactly where the want to end up and connecting all future tools and learning directly to that outcome helps students focus on the prize one project, one class, one quarter or semester at a time.

You can Involve students in project subject matter selection as long as the chosen options meet project and learning requirements

Supports the human aspect

Adding proffessionals as project of techniques facilitators or project critique assistants has proven to be an enthusiasm and motivational plus.