BronxConnect

• 

  My page

• 

Inspiration

As a girl growing up with a deep love for STEM, I’ve always believed that technology can bring people closer and create real change. In my neighborhood, I noticed that so many amazing after-school activities — workshops, sports, creative clubs — go unnoticed. Not because they don’t exist, but because people, especially students, don’t hear about them. That inspired me to build BronxConnect — a simple way to help Bronx youth discover free local events and opportunities right around the corner. For me, using tech to help others isn’t just a goal — it’s a privilege.

What it does

BronxConnect is a community-focused platform where students and families can:

• Browse local events, clubs, and free programs happening nearby
  
• Get alerts for new activities
  
• Share feedback or tips with others in the community
  It’s designed to be simple, accessible, and helpful especially for those who don’t always have access to expensive apps or fast internet.

How we built it

I started by outlining what I wanted BronxConnect to do: be easy to use, feel local, and work well even on basic devices. I created the first prototype using basic HTML and CSS, with plans to add simple interactivity using JavaScript. I also experimented with Scratch to simulate the user experience for younger users or classrooms that might want to explore the idea without coding.

Challenges we ran into

As someone still learning, the biggest challenge was figuring out what features to build with the time and tools I had. I had lots of ideas , so I had to focus on what really mattered for my community. It was also tricky designing something that felt welcoming and clear to all age groups — kids, teens, even parents.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

I’m proud that I took a local issue I care about and turned it into a real prototype. I built something meaningful from scratch and learned to trust the process — even when it got hard. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start, and that matters.

What we learned

This project taught me how to build with purpose. I learned how to design for real people, how to think through user needs, and how to keep things simple but useful. I also gained confidence in my voice — that I can use my STEM skills to make life better for others, even in small ways.

What's next for BronxConnect

I’d love to grow BronxConnect into a fully working web app with real-time updates, a submission form for local organizers, and even a map view of activities. Eventually, I hope to collaborate with community centers, schools, or libraries to make it a shared tool. I want it to be something young people can actually use — and maybe even help build with me.

Built With

• css
• html
• javascript