From student participants to incredible volunteers: The circular nature of giving back through Tech for Social Good

The desire to give back to the community can come from many different places, whether it’s the drive to challenge ourselves, share our skills, mentor the next generation, develop new talents, or replicate a positive experience. These motivations can lead to incredible journeys, as exemplified by Drew Vasili and Andrew Ramsier, two dedicated software engineers and Tech for Social Good volunteers.

As students, Drew and Andrew attended JPMorganChase’s Code for Good Hackathon in London in 2014, not realizing how profoundly it would impact their lives. Enticed by the promise of a free smoothie and the chance to help non-profits, Drew signed up for the hackathon at a university recruitment fair and convinced some friends – among them Andrew – to join him.

At the event, they met other enthusiastic students, JPMorganChase volunteers, and non-profits with challenges needing solutions. Drew's team partnered with a non-profit to create an interactive website, developing a product that impressed both themselves and the non-profit, while also building valuable skills and networks.

For Andrew, the hackathon was a chance to innovate, develop teamwork and communication skills, and build his network. Initially daunted by the 24-hour format, he found the experience empowering, allowing him to confidently iterate on ideas and develop tangible deliverables.

The hackathon set both Drew and Andrew on a path to join the firm. Shortly after the event, Drew joined at JPMorganChase’s Bournemouth Technology Center in an internship role aligned with his degree. After developing his skills in an internship, Drew was offered a graduate position as a software engineer, joining the firm’s Cybersecurity and Technology Controls team.

Participating in Code for Good allowed Andrew to meet experts and judges during the hackathon, giving him insight into the firm’s culture. He was invited to Spring Week and later joined in Bournemouth as an intern. After completing his internship, Andrew returned to finish his degree and return to the firm through the SEP Program.

Inspired by their experiences, Drew and Andrew continued their involvement with the Tech for Social Good program. Drew expanded his participation to include other firm-supported programs like Force for Good and GenerationTech. Andrew embraced the firm’s culture of giving back by participating in other Tech for Social Good events, discovering that these events offered roles for everyone and that each stage of a participant's journey was valuable.

Their most significant contribution has been the creation of a new version of the GenerationTech program, piloted in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions in 2023. This initiative combines their skills and vision to give back, creating opportunities for others.

Their story is a powerful reminder of how early engagement in initiatives like Tech for Social Good can lead to personal and professional growth while creating a lasting community impact. As engineers and volunteers, Drew and Andrew continue to inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts, exemplifying the circular nature of giving back through Tech for Social Good.