“Call for Code means empowering student leaders…to serve…by understanding others’ needs and responding to those needs…”

— Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, President, Augustana University

For several years, Augustana University has made Call for Code part of their school culture, through both promotion of student participation and support at the institutional level. Augustana faculty play an active role, encouraging Augie students to participate and providing mentorship, expert resources, and support for all Global Challenge participants. Professors Dr. David O’Hara and Dr. Matthew Willard have also integrated Call for Code across the Augustana University campus as part of interdisciplinary courses and independent studies that teach social entrepreneurship using technology solutions.

Augustana students say that collaborating as a team to build a tangible sustainability solution is a hands-on learning experience that brings their classroom studies to life. That integration of Call for Code in the classroom pays off: a team of four Augustana students called GardenMate took home the top Call for Code Global Challenge prize in 2022. They were inspired to use technology like IBM Watson AI to help local communities get easier access to surplus food from local gardeners. Since winning, the team is working with the Call for Code ecosystem to continue to improve and grow their solution.