Access to Education https://ballardcenter.byu.edu/access-to-education Access to Education en-US Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:32:53 GMT Learning by Doing: Lessons from a Case Competition https://ballardcenter.byu.edu/skills/life-changing-laptops Discover how BYU students created TechConnect, an innovative nonprofit concept designed to expand laptop access and digital learning opportunities in Nigeria. Learn how collaboration and social impact strategies can help bridge the digital divide and empower students through education. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:32:53 GMT https://ballardcenter.byu.edu/skills/life-changing-laptops

Learning by Doing: Lessons from a Case Competition

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Some of the most valuable lessons in social impact work come from not only studying theory, but from the process of applying the knowledge and skills gained to tackle real-world challenges. Three BYU students put theory into practice in a recent case competition hosted by BYU Marriotts Whitmore Global Business Center (GBC).

As part of the Computers for Change Case Competition, Ballard Center employees Deven Gogarty, Morgan Topham, and Grady Call worked together to design a hypothetical nonprofit.

Their proposed project is called TechConnect, an organization aimed at helping students in Nigeria gain access to laptops in tech centers. The process of researching, designing, and developing the organizational model taught them three key principles that can be applied in any social impact endeavor.

Start small. As part of their project, the team narrowed their focus to a specific community, allowing them to connect with local leaders and build a more realistic and sustainable solution for technology and education access in Nigeria.  Learn from the people you are trying to serve. The BYU students interviewed native Nigerians and local social-problem-solving organization employees for weeks to better understand the problem as well as co-create potential solutions.   Collaborate. The intervention research and logistics required input and feedback from a variety of individuals and organizations. These efforts allowed them to learn from others expertise in the area and adapt their plans to follow local best practices. 

By applying these three simple social impact principles, the team was able to leverage their skills and knowledge and begin building an actionable solution to a real-life problem.

To learn more about TechConnect and the Computers for Change Case Competition,

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