REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of High School Students Andrew Lam, Aayna Dash, Asmi Sawant, Aanya Mishra, Mithil Patil, and Anav Bordia for Community Service Projects
Report
BACKGROUND
The following high school students have taken on community projects and initiatives which have benefited the community including Santa Clara with their service and commitment.
Andrew Lam
Santa Clara resident Andrew Lam attends The King’s Academy. In the past few years, Andrew has taken on many business initiatives to benefit the needs of others on both a local and global level. In 2019, Andrew won first place at the Santa Clara Children's Business Fair for creating an arcade game which encouraged participation from older adults, those with disabilities, children and people of all ages and collected gently used toys as prizes. He donated proceeds from the game to an orphanage in the Philippines. On evenings in the Rivermark neighborhood, Andrew and his sister sold boba drinks and donated proceeds from the sales to Grace Public School in India.
In 2020 during the pandemic, Andrew started a company “2gether We Are Greater” where he helped develop ear savers with a 3D printer and distributed to health care professionals to relieve pressure on their ears from wearing masks for long hours. In addition, he donated hand-sewn masks to the San Jose City Team Ministries for distribution to the unhoused population.
In 2023, Andrew designed his own apparel of clothing called “Bounce Company” and utilized the profits as microloans. He has supported startups in over nine different countries including in Costa Rica, Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Madagascar, Turkey, Liberia, Congo, and New Delhi. In 2024, as President of The Big Brother Little Brother Club, Andrew coordinated a drive to provide kits to the homeless with over 230 packages donated. Through his school at The King's Academy, Andrew built a wheelchair ramp for an elderly couple confined to their house in Kentucky and helped build a single-family home in Mexico for a family in need.
Code for Cause
Code for Cause is the Bay Area's first philanthropic hackathon, co-founded to address local issues through technology and innovation. Code for Cause was co-founded by high school students from Basis Independent Silicon Valley including: Aayna Dash, Asmi Sawant, Aanya Mishra, Mithil Patil, and Anav Bordia.
The group combines coding with community impact, fostering solutions for real-world challenges in partnership with local nonprofits. In December 2023, the group hosted an inaugural event with over 130 participants, raised $5,000, and developed eight community partnerships, including the Union Bank of Switzerland and FalconX. Sponsored by companies like AOPS and Panda Cares, the event offered $1,000 in prizes, free meals, and custom shirts to foster an inclusive and engaging experience. One standout project was an app for InterTeach, a platform connecting students with volunteer tutors worldwide.
Since the first event, Code for Cause has partnered with seven other hackathons across the Bay Area, amplifying the mission to combine coding and social impact. Through these collaborations, Code for Cause continues to inspire innovation and create meaningful change in local communities.
DISCUSSION
At the December 3, 2024 City Council meeting, students Andrew Lam, Aayna Dash, Asmi Sawant, Aanya Mishra, Mithil Patil, and Anav Bordia will receive Mayoral Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Santa Clara and the entire community.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated by the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Maria Le, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Mayoral Certificates of Recognition