UW-Madison course enhances nonprofits

As exam time rolls around, UW–Madison students in the e-Projects in Community Service (ePICS) course won’t be studying textbooks or writing take-home finals.

They’ll be presenting their semester’s work to real-world clients, twelve nonprofit organizations for whom students have designed Web sites, built Web-based information systems, created logos, developed marketing materials and produced videos.

These business and technology projects will be on display, and students will be on hand to discuss their work, at the fall 2005 ePICS Expo on Monday, Dec. 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Engineering Centers Building on campus. The event is open to the public and free parking is available in Lot 17 after 4:30 p.m.

Dubbed “Real World 101” by students, ePICS brings together approximately 100 students each semester from engineering, journalism, business, and art to work on interdisciplinary teams. Each team is assigned to work with one of twelve nonprofit “client” organizations.

“We know there’s a great demand among nonprofit organizations for these services,” says materials science professor Fred Bradley. “(This program) allows us to meet these community needs while our students practice professional skills and develop a commitment to active citizenship.”

Projects students have worked on this semester include:

• An updated Web site and marketing materials targeting young people for the Wisconsin Community Fund;
• Revised recruitment materials with Spanish translations and a new Web site for the Grassroots Leadership College;
• A Web site redesign and marketing materials for Independent Living, Inc.;
• An interactive video and web site on domestic violence within deaf and hearing impaired communities, and a logo and marketing materials for Deaf Unity, a new initiative from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.

The ePICS course runs with support from faculty and staff at UW–Madison, as well as many volunteers. Former ePICS students, retired professionals, young alumni, and former clients serve as advisors for student teams. “Our volunteers really enrich the program,” said Bradley. “EPICS is a model for lifelong learning.”

For information about corporate or community volunteer opportunities with ePICS, or information on becoming a client organization, attend the Expo or contact Katherine Loving at kaloving@wisc.edu or 263-5714.