Senior at George Walton Comprehensive High School
"Transforming ideas into scalable solutions with technology"
Howdy! I'm Sarvesh Sudharshan Prabhu
I’m passionate about Artificial Intelligence and the broad field of computer science. Over the past four years, I have developed a strong foundation in Python, and for the past two years, I’ve gained substantial experience in Java, applying both languages to build projects. But often, I reflect on how to leverage these skills for meaningful impact. I’ve channeled my knowledge into projects with SERA Trust, where I led a complete redesign of their website. As a team lead for three people, I implemented numerous features with my major ones being an AI-powered chatbot and a PayPal donation system. Beyond technical involvement, I helped mentor new volunteers and led outreach initiatives across my school. Through this experience, I learned that coding alone is not enough and that combining it with strategic planning is essential to ensure SERA Trust thrives and achieves lasting impact.
When I first learned about SERA Trust and its mission to uplift communities through technology and service, I was inspired by one of their initiatives: creating digital tools to help underserved schools provide mental health support for students. The lack of accessible mental health resources in low-income districts deeply resonated with me, and I felt motivated to contribute to a cause that used technology for compassion. What began as a small idea soon grew into a meaningful journey of learning and impact. Working closely with mentors and volunteers, I helped expand the organization’s digital presence by improving design, functionality, and communication tools that supported both donors and students.
Through this process, I discovered that technology is most powerful when it brings people together. Watching more volunteers sign up, schools participate, and communities engage with SERA’s mission reaffirmed my belief that innovation can drive inclusion, awareness, and trust.
As Swami Vivekananda once said, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” His words remind me that meaningful change demands persistence and purpose, and that even the smallest ideas, when guided by empathy and effort, can grow into something that serves many.
Key Contributions
Website Redesign
Led a 3-person team to rebuild the organization’s website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Improved mobile responsiveness and UI/UX, reorganized navigation across India and U.S. branches, and enhanced accessibility, resulting in slightly higher engagement and full mobile compatibility.
Donation System
Designed and implemented the organization’s first digital donation system with PayPal and QR-code payment options. Added secure form validation, donor-recognition widgets, and homepage pathways for “Start a Chapter,” “Adopt a Village,” and “Raise Funds,” simplifying online giving.
Mental Health Awarness
Developed a Mental Health Awareness page and interactive quiz featuring 5+ curated resources for accessible support. Expanded digital outreach to schools and early pilot users, advancing SERA’s focus on mental-health inclusion.
Chatbot Development
Developed and integrated a JavaScript-based chatbot to answer FAQs on donations, volunteering, and services. The chatbot managed 127 user submissions in the first 45 days, improving user experience and reducing the need for manual responses.
PDF to Word Converter
Built a JavaScript-based PDF-to-Word converter tool for internal operations. The converter automated document handling, simplified file management, and supported smoother communication across staff teams.
Outreach and Website Analytics
Set up Google Analytics and tracking scripts to monitor website traffic, volunteer activity, and user engagement. Insights from this data guided outreach efforts and helped onboard 42 new volunteers in 3 months through improved communication and engagement tools.
Impact and Reflection
When I joined SERA Trust, my vision was to use technology to make the organization’s mission more accessible and welcoming. I began with small updates, reorganizing pages, improving content, and refining the design so the website better reflected the heart of SERA’s work.
As I grew more confident, I took on larger projects. I built the nonprofit’s first online donation system to make supporting SERA easier for donors. I created a volunteer registration workflow that opened new pathways for participation. I designed photo galleries and infographics to showcase community impact and developed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) section so SERA’s initiatives could be clearly linked to global priorities in education, healthcare, equality, and clean energy. When I noticed that visitors often asked similar questions, I built a chatbot that acted as a friendly guide, sharing the mission, explaining programs, and connecting people to ways they could help.
Through these projects, I realized that true impact is not only about creating new features but also about ensuring they endure. I documented my work, mentored new volunteers, and built systems that would remain useful long after my direct involvement. As a high school senior, this experience reshaped how I view volunteering. It taught me that service is not just about giving time but about designing tools that empower others to keep the mission alive.
What began as an idea has now become a lasting digital foundation that strengthens SERA Trust’s ability to connect with communities, donors, and volunteers.
Recognitions and Awards
My contributions to SERA Trust have been recognized through multiple awards for innovation, leadership, and service. These honors reflect not only the technical impact of my projects but also the collective dedication of our team to empower communities through technology and collaboration. Certificate of Appreciation for 100+ Volunteer Hours, presented by Synthia Padala, Founder of SERA Smart Villages and SERA Trust, for outstanding commitment to digital development and community outreach initiatives.