Three groups of computer science seniors at Western Washington University have completed year-long capstone projects focused on expanding access to legal resources and building community connections. The projects, completed as part of the CS department's senior capstone requirement, were announced by WWU Communications on June 22, 2026.
The senior capstone is a signature requirement for computer science students at WWU. Over the course of an academic year, student teams take the knowledge and skills they have accumulated during their time at Western and channel them into a single substantial product. The program is designed to give students experience working in teams, managing a long-horizon project, and building something with real-world value outside of a classroom assignment context. This year's projects stand out for their focus on social impact and community benefit.
The legal access apps created by the student groups are aimed at reducing barriers that prevent people from accessing affordable legal advice. Access to legal help has long been identified as an equity issue in the United States, where the cost of hiring an attorney puts professional legal guidance out of reach for many low- and middle-income individuals and families. Apps that simplify intake processes, connect users with appropriate resources, or help people understand their rights and options can meaningfully reduce that gap, even without replacing the judgment of a licensed attorney.
Western Washington University's computer science department has a track record of producing graduates who go on to careers in both the tech industry and the public sector. The department is part of WWU's College of Science and Engineering and has grown steadily as demand for software professionals has increased throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Bellingham's position as a mid-sized city within commuting range of both Seattle and Vancouver, BC, makes it an increasingly attractive destination for tech workers who want access to urban amenities without urban prices.
The community connection apps developed by the student groups address a different but related challenge: how technology can help people find one another, share resources, and build relationships at the neighborhood or community level. Social isolation has been recognized as a significant public health challenge, and community-focused software tools have shown promise in helping people discover local organizations, events, and neighbors who share their interests or circumstances.
The capstone projects were completed under the guidance of faculty advisors in the WWU computer science department. While the specific apps are not yet publicly released, the announcement from WWU Communications suggests the projects were completed successfully and recognized as meeting the goals of the capstone program. Students completing capstone projects at WWU often continue developing their work after graduation or use the projects as portfolio pieces in job applications.
For Whatcom County residents interested in legal resources currently available in the area, organizations like the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and Northwest Justice Project provide free and low-cost legal services for qualifying individuals and families. The work being done by WWU students to build technology that complements these services reflects a growing awareness among the next generation of software developers that their skills can be directed toward social good as well as commercial applications.
More information about Western Washington University's computer science program and the senior capstone track is available through WWU's CS department website. The full story from WWU Communications, written by Mikayla King, is available on the WWU News page.
