NPFI actively seeks to support new college-level classes to develop and customize open source software for local non-profits. Such a development process has the following elements:
- The course requires students to develop a software product that serves the mission of a local client organization. Examples of past projects can be viewed here.
- Students may interact with the client on a regular basis throughout the course to show progress and get feedback. This approach is part of the CO-FOSS development model.
- Students use modern tools to complete the software. For example, past projects have used PHP, MySQL, Javascript, Eclipse, Java, and GitHub.
- The software “lives” in a public repository (e.g., GitHub), so that it can be reused by a future development team.
Benefits
- Students gain a unique learning experience and a completed project to include in their resumes.
- Students develop critical communication and teamwork skills that prepare them for professional success.
- Students make important community service contributions.
- The client gains new and useful software that will outlast the semester.
- The project provides good will and positive press for both the university and the client.
Other Resources
- Teaching Resources for Instructors: Textbook, Detailed Syllabi, Assignments, Requirements Documents, Code Bases, Student Evaluations, Publications, etc.
- Project Roadmap for Instructors: 10 steps to implement an NPFI project
- Tips and Resources for Instructors: Practical details for implementing the Project Workflow
Further Information
Look at the examples of past projects to help you envision developing a course to meet similar needs for a local non-profit. Consider applying for an NPFI grant to help support your work. Please contact us if you would like feedback on your ideas.