How Develop for Good Is Transforming Nonprofit Tech Support
In a year defined by global challenges, social organizations have stepped up to address critical needs. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a growing digital divide—nonprofits urgently required tech solutions to serve their communities but often lacked the resources to secure top talent. Enter Develop for Good, a groundbreaking initiative co-founded by Stanford seniors Mary Zhu and Amay Aggarwal that connects skilled student volunteers with nonprofits in need of tech expertise.
The Birth of a Solution
Launched in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic, Develop for Good was born from two pressing needs:
- Nonprofits struggled to access affordable tech talent for digital projects.
- Students faced canceled internships and sought meaningful ways to build professional experience.
“Our peers were looking for opportunities to develop their skills while making an impact,” Zhu explained. This alignment of needs fueled rapid growth for the organization.
By the Numbers: Impact at Scale
In less than a year, Develop for Good has achieved remarkable results:
- 25,000+ volunteer hours contributed
- 50 projects completed for major organizations including UNICEF, Save the Children, and The Nature Conservancy
- 200+ student volunteers from dozens of universities across the U.S.
- 2:1 ratio of female to male participants
- 33% of volunteers identify as first-generation or low-income students
How the Program Works
The initiative operates through structured 10-week cycles where:
- Student teams dedicate 5-10 hours weekly to nonprofit projects
- Weekly check-ins ensure alignment with organizational goals
- Projects span web development, data visualization, and product design
- Mentorship programs provide guidance and support
Expanding Opportunities
For the upcoming January cohort, Develop for Good is introducing an AWS-sponsored stipend to support first-generation and low-income students. “Financial barriers shouldn’t prevent talented students from volunteering,” Aggarwal noted, referencing previous participants who had to withdraw due to economic pressures.
Looking Ahead
With 800 applications expected for just 200 spots in the next cohort, interest continues to surge. The founders emphasize that selection focuses on matching skills with nonprofit needs rather than pure competition.
As Develop for Good expands its reach, it demonstrates how innovative models can create triple-win solutions: nonprofits gain critical tech support, students build valuable experience, and communities benefit from enhanced services.
Applications for the January cohort are open through January 2nd.
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