App Development CommitteeAt — Bike 4 a Cause
Childhood obesity and the mental health crisis have been exacerbated by technological isolation and the effects of COVID-19. Cycling provides an accessible gateway to athletics for youth, particularly those in single-parent and lower-income households who may face barriers to participating in team sports. Cycling also serves as an inclusive sport where all children, regardless of ability, can build confidence through personal athletic progress. Furthermore, promoting green transportation is essential for the future of our planet. Join our App Development Committee to help craft digital solutions that address these challenges and encourage cycling among youth. By developing an app to track progress, encourage participation, and promote healthy lifestyles, you can play a role in saving lives and fostering environmental sustainability.
By the end of this opportunity, students will have learned...
1) Technical Proficiency in Web/App Development: Students will gain hands-on experience in developing and maintaining web applications, focusing on user interfaces, user experience (UI/UX) design, and database management. They will also learn how to integrate tracking tools, handle user data securely, and develop mobile-friendly apps.
2) Project Management & Collaboration: Students will develop critical project management skills by working collaboratively within a team environment. They will learn to track project progress, set goals, meet deadlines, and work in alignment with the broader mission of the nonprofit sector.
3) Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: In the process of app development, students will encounter real-world challenges that require innovative problem-solving and technical troubleshooting. They will learn to address complex issues such as how to incentivize youth participation through digital engagement and how to ensure the app meets user needs.
4) Social Impact & Community Engagement: By contributing to a project focused on addressing childhood obesity, mental health, and environmental sustainability, students will develop a deeper understanding of how technology can positively impact public health and social issues. They will also gain experience in making tangible contributions to community health initiatives.
5) Professional Communication & Outreach (if you're including the Outreach Committee): Students involved in the Outreach Committee will learn how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including stakeholders, sponsors, and the community. They will develop marketing strategies, manage digital campaigns, and learn the nuances of nonprofit outreach through a hands-on experience.
6) Sustainability & Green Transportation Awareness: Students will become well-versed in sustainability initiatives, particularly as they relate to promoting cycling as an alternative mode of green transportation. They will learn how to integrate environmental messaging into a broader public health narrative.
To ensure students have the necessary support and resources for success, Bike 4 a Cause (B4aC) offers the following:
Initial Orientation: Students will begin with an orientation that introduces the mission of Bike 4 a Cause, its goals, and how the app development project aligns with addressing childhood obesity, mental health, and environmental sustainability. This session will give students context for the impact their work will have on the community.
Project Objectives & Vision: While students will take the lead in the technical aspects of app development, they will receive clear guidance on the project’s overall objectives, such as creating an easy-to-use platform for tracking youth participation in cycling activities, promoting engagement through milestone rewards, and supporting health initiatives.
Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Students will be introduced to project management tools like Trello, Google Drive, or Slack, helping them organize tasks, set timelines, and collaborate effectively. This will enable students to manage the app development project from planning to execution, ensuring they stay on track with deadlines and team responsibilities.
Resources for Independent Learning: While technical training is not provided directly, students will be given access to resources such as online tutorials, relevant documentation, and industry best practices for app development. Students are encouraged to research and apply development methods using their own expertise, fostering independent problem-solving.
Mentorship & Ongoing Support: Students will have access to mentors within the organization who will provide feedback, answer questions, and help students align the app’s development with the goals of the nonprofit. Mentorship will focus on ensuring the project remains user-focused, engaging, and aligned with B4aC’s mission.
Outreach & Marketing Support (for Outreach Committee): For students involved in marketing and outreach, there will be training on how to promote the app and the overall Bike 4 a Cause initiative. This will include learning how to develop marketing strategies, create outreach materials, and build relationships with local schools and sponsors.
Health & Safety Guidance: While students will lead app development, guidance will be provided on ensuring that the app includes features that prioritize user safety and privacy, especially when tracking youth participants. Ethical considerations like data privacy and responsible technology use will be emphasized.
Students working on the website and app development will receive data privacy training, ensuring compliance with regulations like COPPA for handling user data, especially for minors. Cybersecurity best practices, such as secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and safeguarding user information, will be emphasized. All work will be conducted on secure platforms, and students will be guided on safe coding practices to protect both user data and the integrity of the app. Regular check-ins through Discord will ensure ongoing support and oversight.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 5 | hours per week |