The Helping Hand Project at NC State University
The Helping Hand Project at NC State University is a nonprofit organization that designs, prints, and distributes 3D-printed recreational prosthetic devices to people with upper limb differences, all while providing a supportive community for all kids and families served within the organization. Since the start of The NC State chapter of the Helping Hand Project in 2017, the club has grown to over 75 active members who are dedicated to designing and building recreational prosthetic devices to make an impact in the lives of others. Since 2017, the NC State chapter of The Helping Hand Project has produced 28 recreational prosthetic devices for 17 different individuals.
These devices not only allow for increased mobility and functionality, but they give the children that use them a renewed sense of confidence and excitement to share their device and display it rather than hide it. It's extremely rewarding to each and every one of our student volunteers and officers to see this. In addition to providing these devices to children and adults who need them, our student volunteers are able to actually apply the skills they learn in class to a worthy cause, which teaches them leadership, teamwork, and the hard skills that are more difficult to learn in the classroom.