-
-
EmpoweringU: Empowering First-Generation && Low-Income Households
Inspiration-The inspiration for EmpoweringU came from recognizing the unique challenges faced by low-income, first-generation families in navigating higher education and career opportunities. Many of these families lack access to resources, guidance, and support networks that are often taken for granted in more privileged areas.
What it does-EmpoweringU is a mobile application that provides comprehensive support for low-income, first-generation families. It offers:
Educational resources and guidance on college applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities Career exploration tools and mentorship connections Financial modules to help families manage their resources effectively Community forums for support and sharing experiences Access to local support services and resources
How we built it-We developed EmpoweringU using:
React Native for cross-platform mobile development Node.js and Express for the backend MongoDB for the database AWS for cloud hosting Integration with various APIs for educational resources and career information
Challenges we ran into-Ensuring the app is accessible and user-friendly for families who may have limited tech experience
Creating reliable and up-to-date information on educational opportunities and financial aid Building trust within the community and encouraging user engagement Balancing feature richness with app performance on lower-end devices
Accomplishments that we're proud of-Creating a comprehensive platform that addresses multiple aspects of the challenges faced by our target users
Partnering with local community organizations to expand our reach and impact Positive feedback from early users, with stories of successful college applications and career advancements Developing a scalable solution that can be adapted for different regions and communities
What we learned-The importance of user-centered design in creating an app for a specific community
The complexities of the education system and how it impacts low-income, first-generation families The power of community support and peer-to-peer learning The need for continuous updates and improvements based on user feedback
What's next for EmpoweringU-Expanding to more regions and partnering with additional educational institutions
Implementing AI-driven personalized recommendations for users Developing a web platform to complement the mobile app Creating a mentorship program connecting successful first-generation professionals with app users Exploring partnerships with corporations for internship and job placement opportunities
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.