Develop for Good: Student Volunteers & Nonprofit Impact

The past year has seen a surge in the activity of social organizations. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded globally and within the United States, governmental bodies and a diverse range of nonprofit and volunteer groups mobilized to provide assistance, offering essential resources like food, medical supplies, books for children, and clothing to individuals and families facing hardship.

A significant obstacle to delivering aid, however, has been the digital gap. Nonprofits now require online connectivity to reach those they serve, much like any modern business. Unfortunately, skilled technology professionals are often costly to hire and difficult to locate, especially for nonprofits operating with limited financial resources.

This challenge prompted Stanford seniors Mary Zhu and Amay Aggarwal to establish Develop for Good, a platform designed to connect enthusiastic undergraduate students studying computer science, design, and economics with nonprofits that have specific project needs requiring specialized expertise. They initiated this network in March, coinciding with the rapid spread of the pandemic, and the organization itself has experienced substantial growth since then.

Zhu explained that Develop for Good “emerged as a response to [the pandemic], but simultaneously, many of our classmates experienced internship cancellations, [and] numerous companies implemented hiring freezes.” She added that students were actively seeking opportunities to enhance their professional skills and gain practical project experience. This convergence of needs between students and nonprofits facilitated the efficient matching process offered by Develop for Good.

To date, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit has facilitated over 25,000 hours of volunteer work with organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, UNICEF, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), Easterseals, The Nature Conservancy, Save the Children, AARP, and others. Initially focused on Zhu and Aggarwal’s network at Stanford, the program has now expanded to include over a dozen universities across the country. The founders initially contacted nonprofits through Stanford’s alumni network, but the program’s growing reputation has led to increasing inbound inquiries.

Volunteers typically dedicate 5-10 hours per week to a project for a period of 10 weeks, often working in teams. Each team maintains at least weekly communication with their nonprofit client to ensure the project aligns with expectations. Common project types include application development, data visualization, and website design. While most projects are completed within a single batch, the founders note that more complex initiatives, such as product development, may extend into subsequent batches. As the program has grown, Zhu and Aggarwal have incorporated a formal mentorship component to support students throughout their work.

Applications for the upcoming batch, beginning in January, are currently being accepted from students (the deadline is January 2nd, so prompt submission is encouraged!). The founders anticipate receiving 800 applications and expect to match approximately 200 volunteers with 32 projects. The application process prioritizes aligning student interests with suitable programs, rather than being strictly competitive. The program has successfully completed 50 projects to date.

For the next batch, Amazon Web Services will provide stipends for first-generation and low-income students to help offset the financial implications of volunteer work. Aggarwal stated that “during the previous cycle, some participants had to withdraw because they were unable to volunteer without compensation due to financial pressures on their families.” The new stipend aims to enable these students to continue volunteering while easing their financial burden.

Aggarwal also noted that two-thirds of the program’s volunteer developers and designers are women, and one-third are first-generation or low-income students.