ORGANIZATION: SparkPath
WEBSITE: https://sparkpath.org/
MISSION STATEMENT: SparkPath creates powerful learning experiences that challenge students to explore interests, discover new perspectives, connect with professionals in the community, and visualize their success beyond the classroom.
ORGANIZATION’S CHALLENGE:
To effectively manage student events, SparkPath issues tickets to participating schools. These tickets also serve as a visual reminder of what breakout sessions participants attend and at what time. For ticket creation, SparkPath uses FileMaker, which is an older software that is no longer meeting their needs. Staff created a Google Sheet to aide the process of using FileMaker but are looking for tech expertise to fully transition to Google Sheets.
Although FileMaker can randomly distribute tickets given various sessions and room capacities, it’s difficult for staff to make necessary adjustments without creating an error and needing to start over. The system moves slowly and only allows one user at a time, which is difficult for the organization during peak seasons. To reduce the number of edits needed in FileMaker, staff created a Google Sheet for modifying information, but it’s a back-and-forth process that involves multiple data uploads and leaves room for errors. Once data is set, tickets are generated on an Avery label template and printed from the FileMaker database. Unfortunately, paper is often wasted as the system doesn’t automatically advance to the next school if template fields are left empty. With support from tech experts, staff believe they can build out their existing Google Sheet and create a new process that accomplishes what FileMaker currently does.
To effectively create and print tickets, a Google Sheet would need to auto-generate the ideal ticket spread taking into consider the number sessions, session timing, room capacity, and schools participating. The next step in the process is for staff to make manual edits based on school preferences. Finally, the new tool would need formatting capabilities to print on an Avery 5160 label that could then be mailed to schools.
With a new ticket generation and printing process, SparkPath can increase efficiency in their event preparation process.
POTENTIAL DELIVERABLE(S):
1. Google Sheet - ticket generation, formatting, & printing capabilities
REQUESTED VOLUNTEER SKILL SETS: Data Analysis, Data Architect, Software Development, Solution Architecture, Google Sheet expertise
These spots are for the 2-3 Pro Bono Consultants - Pro bono consultants give their time and expertise to the challenge, supporting the nonprofit and team in finding a solution to the challenge and working toward the agreed upon deliverable.
