An app called “HU Service Central” was utilized during Bisons for Christ to help students connect with various service projects offered during the week of April 11-15. The app allows students and teachers to find service projects, track the number of hours served and read stories from those who have served the community.
According to Dr. Andrew Baker, assistant professor of Bible and director of the Mitchell Center, the app will continue to be used and improved so that Harding students may serve the university and community.
“Last year, we did the 72143 project (a capstone) and saw lots of opportunities in Searcy where students could serve and would want to serve,” Baker said. “What if in everyone’s hand was the information necessary to go help? I would say students genuinely want to serve.”
According to Baker, a company out of California, Crowd Hub, helped design the app. Work on the app began in the fall with a release planned at the beginning of the semester, but the app needed additional work before it could be unveiled.
Baker said that during Bisons for Christ, the app had 451 interactive users and 900 people downloaded the app. Users looked at 10 screens with eight minutes of user time on the app on average.
Senior Peyton Templeton assisted the Harding cheer squad’s cheer clinic available to elementary-aged girls from Searcy during Bisons for Christ. Templeton said she believes the app was a success for the service projects and encouraged others to download it.
“I’ve noticed many hours from Bisons for Christ were logged onto the app,” Templeton said. “I love the fact that you get to see a live count of how many volunteers there are on our campus and how many hours we as a student body have put into serving this community. I also love the stories section. It’s a great way to remind yourself why you’re serving and the love that can come from it.”
Sophomore Landon Tabor also served during Bisons for Christ. Tabor said he believes the app will be used in the future to help better service efforts around Searcy.
“The (service app) brings the community of mission that Harding proclaims they are to life and helps students serve our immediate community in the palm of their hand,” Tabor said. “The app started to bring Bisons for Christ into a lifestyle rather than just one day of service. It helps just being able to instantly see when projects have been completed and claimed by other students.”
As of April 19, nearly 300 volunteers have completed 507 hours of service in conjunction with the app. According to Baker, the app is meant to be utilized year-round. To download the app, search “HU Service Central” in the Apple App Store or in Google Play.
