The Do Good Institute’s Impact Bootcamp continues to support aspiring innovators at the University of Maryland, guiding students through a six-week journey to refine and launch their social impact projects. This semester’s cohort brought innovative solutions spanning health equity, education, sustainability and community wellness, all driven by students’ dedication to creating meaningful impact. Their stories highlight the creativity, commitment and impact-driven focus that the program was designed to foster.
This semester has been amazing to witness our students bringing bold, innovative, and community-focused ideas to life. From health equity to technology, education, and sustainability, their creativity and commitment to making a real difference is both inspiring and energizing. Seeing their projects grow and impact others reaffirms why this work is so important.Tyrese Fenty Program Coordinator
AI, Technology & Digital Solutions
Foundit Project — Jamie Zheng & Eileen Jiang
A streamlined lost-and-found platform designed to help students quickly report, locate, and recover missing items. **Foundit also competed in the Luby Idea Track for Dingman, making it into the top 20 Teams.
Data Center Initiative — Saanvi Goel
A policy and advocacy project addressing the rapid expansion of data centers in rural communities, aiming for stronger regulation and reduced environmental impact.
Ekklesion — Blake Simonds
An AI-driven civic innovation tool focused on strengthening government processes and democratic engagement.
Health, Wellness & Social Determinants of Health
Roots for Health Equity — Simran Mattikalli & Rajiv Damera
A collaborative public health initiative working to increase awareness of social determinants of health—especially their role in metabolic diseases like diabetes—while promoting equitable health education and dialogue between patients, providers, and policymakers.
YouthWhoCARE — Ava Faghani
An online forum supporting youth caregivers and young people who have lost parents or siblings to illness, offering community, resources, and peer connection.
Circles for Wellness — Lexi Sens
A support network for individuals with invisible disabilities, with a particular focus on women, designed to improve connection, community, and overall wellbeing.
Learn to Live — Zoe Razunguzwa
An after-school program addressing social determinants of health and promoting lifelong healthy habits through youth-focused engagement.
Brain-Scientific Resources — Jaron Harris
A new initiative focused on bringing brain and neuroscience education to under-resourced communities, increasing access to STEM learning opportunities.
Food Access & Basic Needs Support
Campus Pantry Satellites: Expanding Food Resources Across Campus — Ellie Dugan
A proposal to expand food access through Amazon-style pantry pickup lockers placed across campus, addressing UMD’s 24% food insecurity rate and improving convenience for students in need.
Education, Youth Development & Learning Resources
Bright Root Books — Fortune Ezeogu
A project dedicated to creating accessible children’s books that support early childhood literacy and learning.
Social Impact, Justice & Advocacy
Criminal Justice Explained — Yasmine Juhar
A digital education initiative delivering short, engaging content that helps younger audiences understand criminal justice topics, encouraging awareness and meaningful conversations about incarceration and reform.
Community, Creativity & Campus Engagement
ReThread Fashion — Bella Dolan
A sustainability initiative tackling fast fashion by promoting accessible formal attire, encouraging second-hand shopping, and reducing stigma around reuse.
UMD Beauty Club — Lena Chennat
A student-led community connecting aspiring beauty professionals with industry resources while hosting skill-based events focused on makeup techniques and beauty education.
The Impact Bootcamp program will be accepting new registrations beginning in Spring 2026