Designing on a Dime: Creating a Virtual Presence for Non-Profit Organizations

This study examined lessons learned from a two-year project to create a virtual presence for the Haldeman Community Center in Rowan County, Kentucky. It offers one example of the many ways public institutions of higher learning can use their resources to support community initiatives, while allowing students to gain valuable real world experience through service learning. The Haldeman website is student designed and built, and allows the center to promote upcoming events, share oral histories, feature profiles of community leaders, and provide information for potential volunteers, all in a cost-effective manner without the assistance of a third-party. Tips for design, implementation, and community training will be addressed, in an effort to inspire others to consider similar collaborative projects.