Manna Project International

Introduction: A service organization (starts at Vandy) contributing to the community in local schools and health centers.

Project Statement:

• Donor: Know who is going to donate based on current information of donors.
• Metrics: Applying for grants while considering quantitative and qualitative metrics related to community development.
• Website: Attract new online audiences about the mission.

The Pet Fund

Introduction: A service organization that helps pets with medical needs, especially those who may have early-stage cancer. Started collecting data decades ago and would like to contribute to the larger pets community.

Project Statement:

• Data Visualization: Aggregate the data and present it in a visual (graphic) way to show trends on the website for viewers.
• Future Trends: Compare the datasets collected in different years and use AI/ML to predict future trends.

Mississippi Food Network

Introduction: A food bank network in Mississippi that serves 56 of the 82 counties in the state, distributing millions of pounds of food throughout the state annually.

Project Statement:

• Map: Currently using a spreadsheet to track the data. Want to implement a Geographic Information System (GIS) map for a visual and interactive representation. The target audience is donors; be creative with how the map is presented.
• Potential projects with AI/ML in the future.

Soulsville Foundation

Introduction: To ensure the safety of the community (especially at night), Soulsville provides lighting and safety audits around the communities in Memphis. The goal is to reduce crime rates and other safety issues for residents and students.

Project Statement:

• Map: Use police department data to identify the (potential) areas where crimes and other safety issues are primary concerns. Implement a Geographic Information System (GIS) map for an intuitive and interactive representation.

Bridge Lacrosse

Introduction: Bridge Lacrosse provides local students with club sports opportunities to foster athletic and personal growth for young athletes. Many athletes stay in the club for the long term, so Bridge Lacrosse would like to investigate how to help the young athletes throughout their time.

Project Statement:

• Dashboard: Keep track of the individual young athletes and their performance in Lacrosse on a longitudinal scale. A central database/dashboard to track students’ performance is desired. AI/ML projects can be considered in the future.

Backpack Bed for Homeless

Introduction: Backpack Bed for Homeless distributes emergency beds to homeless populations to improve their sense of safety. They received postcard feedback from users and are ramping up distribution in the US.

Project Statement:

• Postcard Project: Analyze the feedback and needs from users based on the postcards received. Replies such as “having a good night’s sleep” are positive feedback. Such analysis can be used for future grant proposals.

Alpha Omega Veterans Services Inc.

Introduction: Based in Memphis, TN, Alpha Omega Veteran Services Inc. strives to provide a safe and tight-knit community for veterans, implementing different programs to support the local veterans.

Project Statement:

• Database: Construct a database using data collected from therapy programs, permanent housing, and job aspects.
• Prediction: Use current data to identify trends for future needs from veterans. Showcase the prediction using graphs, websites, or dashboards.

Bright Light Volunteers

Introduction: “Empowering Global Citizens. Learn. Serve. Lead." By providing Global Service Learning Projects, Brightlight Volunteer empowers participants and community partners with volunteering services and education.

Project Statement:

• Quantitative data: With a lot of qualitative data collected in the past, Brightlight Volunteers would like more quantitative data. Compile and analyze data about the types of students that engage with Global Service Learning and the impact that such experiences have on students’ lives and careers.