ePICS Expo reveals semester of nonprofit assistance

This semester, 116 undergraduate students enrolled in the e-Projects in Community Service (ePICS) course at the University of Wisconsin–Madison worked on interdisciplinary teams to design Web sites, build Web-based information systems, create logos, and develop marketing plans and materials for 14 nonprofit “client” organizations.

The projects will be on display and students will be on hand to discuss their work at the spring ePICS Expo from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 1, at the Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive. The event is open to the public, and free parking is available after 4:30 p.m. in Lot 17.

Dubbed “Real World 101” by students, ePICS brings together students from engineering, journalism, business and art to serve nonprofit clients from the Madison community.

“We know there’s a great demand among nonprofit organizations for these services,” says Fred Bradley, a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. “ePICS allows us to meet these community needs while our students practice professional skills and develop a commitment to active citizenship.”

ePICS has openings for nonprofit clients in the fall. Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 26.

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.
• A Web site on domestic violence within deaf and hearing-impaired communities and a logo and marketing materials for this new initiative of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Domestic Abuse Program and Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The ePICS course operates 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 advisers for student teams.

“Our volunteers really enrich the program,” says Bradley. “ePICS is a model for lifelong learning.”

ePICS offers corporate and community volunteer positions in project management, leadership, team processes, Web programming and design, databases, marketing and communications, graphic design and fund development.

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 (608) 263-5714.