Our newest team member Matt tells us about volunteering at a workshop.

May 22, 2020
Our Work
Matt Guy joined Apps for Good as Head of Fundraising and Partnerships in March.

I was lucky enough to spend my first day working with Apps for Good in Manchester at the office of BNY Mellon, one of our corporate supporters. They were hosting an App in a Day workshop for a class of GCSE Computer Science students. Volunteers from BNY Mellon were supporting small teams of students.

I joined them, working with a group to design an app to help improve heart health. The idea came from one of the students’ family experience. It showed me exactly how Apps for Good empowers young people to think about using technology to solve the problems that mean the most to them. It was a brilliant first day in my new job.

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It showed me exactly how Apps for Good empowers young people to think about using technology to solve the problems that mean the most to them.”

app-in-a-day-manchester.jpg Matt with students from Trinity Cof E School at BNY Mellon in Manchester

After only two more days with the team we began remote working due to Covid-19. Apps for Good adapted quickly. We launched home learning resources for teachers and students to use straight away. I’ve been impressed with the team’s close relationship with teachers all over the UK. These relationships mean we can respond to teachers’ changing needs. Our funding partners have been hugely supportive and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them over the last few weeks.

I previously worked at a creative university. I supported students to develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern workplace. I think learning how to collaborate, communicate and problem solve are absolutely vital for all young people, whatever their background. I’ve already seen that Apps for Good does an amazing job of this. I’m excited to be working with our partners so we can do even more.