Student-led technology for social impact
Students launch DSSD hubs at their universities and deliver software, GIS, and data projects for nonprofits, at no cost to the organization.
Nonprofits and NGOs with delivered projects
Dashboards, maps, web apps, and more
With new campuses in the pipeline
Building real-world solutions each semester
We prioritize depth over scale. Every partnership is scoped, staffed, and delivered with care.
How It Works
From campus to community impact
DSSD connects student talent with nonprofit needs through a proven, structured model.
Students launch a hub
Student leaders start a DSSD chapter at their university, recruiting team members across software, GIS, and data disciplines.
Organizations submit projects
Nonprofits and NGOs submit project inquiries. We review for mission alignment, scope, and readiness, then match with a hub.
Teams build solutions
Student teams scope, design, and deliver professional-quality solutions, with regular client check-ins throughout.
Communities see impact
Partners receive finished tools with documentation and training. Students graduate with shipped, portfolio-ready work.
Get Involved
Here's how to work with us
Nonprofits & NGOs
Get a student team on your project
Submit a project and get matched with a university hub. Our teams deliver dashboards, maps, web apps, and data tools, at no cost to you.
See past projects and learn how scoping works.
Request SupportStudents
Start a hub or join one
Launch a DSSD chapter at your university, or join an existing hub to work on real nonprofit projects alongside driven peers.
Find a hub near you or see what it takes to start one.
Learn MoreDonors & Sponsors
Fund the infrastructure behind every project
Your tax-deductible gift covers the tools and operations that let student teams deliver for nonprofits each semester. Sponsors can also provide mentorship or in-kind support.
Interested in sponsorship? See our partners page.
Support DSSDFeatured Projects
What our teams have shipped
Each project is scoped with a nonprofit partner and built by a student team.
Esri Humanitarian Assistance
GIS for Peace
DSSD built GIS for Peace, a community engagement platform hosting knowledge and inspiration about GIS applications for peacebuilding in one interactive, searchable, and filterable website. The platform is primarily geared towards peacebuilders who are interested in enhancing their work through geospatial analytics, as well as stakeholders who are interested in bridging GIS and peace.
Greenpeace
Annual Plastics Brand Audit
An interactive web map showcasing the 2018-2020 plastics brand audits; visualizing the work of thousands of volunteers and calling action to identify brands responsible for plastics pollution.
QuaRCS
QuaRCs Bolivia SDG platform
The QuaRCS interactive database provides access to data on approximately 139 variables (i.e., population, nighttime lights, electricity coverage, CO2 emissions, etc.) in Bolivia across the 17 SDGs.
University Hubs
Active chapters
Each hub is founded and led by students at their university.
Start a hub at your university
Launch a chapter and lead data science for social impact on your campus.
Get StartedJoin Us
Start a hub. Submit a project. Fund the work.
Whether you're a student ready to lead, a nonprofit that needs technology support, or a donor who wants to fund real outcomes. Pick your path.
Want to support our work? Donate or explore sponsorship.