Since 2021, Cotter Schools has used Helper Helper to modernize and scale its community service program. What was once a time-consuming, paper-based process is now a streamlined, digital system that supports students, staff, and community partners alike.

Today, Cotter doesn’t just track service hours—they celebrate them, regularly recognizing milestones like 10,000 hours of service as a school community.

From Paper Forms to a Fully Digital System

Before implementing Helper Helper, Cotter relied on a manual process that required students to complete paper forms, collect signatures, and submit written reflections. Staff then transferred those hours into their student information system and stored records for years.

The process was not only time-consuming—it was difficult to manage and lacked meaningful reporting capabilities.

“It was a very arduous task just to track the hours… and we had no reporting functions available.”

Since adopting Helper Helper, everything has been consolidated into one platform:

• Service opportunities

• Hour tracking

• Student records

• Reporting

The result is a system that is easier for everyone to use and far more efficient to manage.

Eliminating Administrative Burden

One of the most immediate impacts has been the significant reduction in administrative workload.

Tasks that once required constant follow-up—tracking down forms, verifying hours, responding to parent emails—have largely disappeared.

Cotter has also eliminated the need to manually verify service records and no longer has to write any letters verifying student hours.

That once took 1–2 full days of work is now handled in just a few hours per week.

Real-Time Visibility and School-Wide Engagement

Helper Helper has given Cotter the ability to track and report service in ways that simply weren’t possible before.

Staff can now analyze participation by:

• Student

• Grade level

• Homeroom

• Sport or club

This visibility has helped turn service into something the entire school can rally around.

Cotter even displays service hours on TV monitors and social media, watching totals grow throughout the year and celebrating major milestones along the way.

“We now celebrate when we reach 10,000 hours!”

A Better Experience for Students

Moving to a digital platform has also transformed the student experience.

Students can now:

• Easily find and sign up for opportunities

• Track their hours in real time

• Stay accountable without relying on paper forms

“Students love the app and the ease of everything in one place.”

Because students are responsible for managing their own accounts, the system also encourages greater ownership and accountability—while improving communication with families.

Supporting a Mission-Driven Service Program

As a Catholic school, Cotter’s service program goes beyond simply completing a set number of hours. Students are encouraged to engage in meaningful, mission-aligned service experiences.

With Helper Helper, the school can now:

• Set different goals by grade level

• Track specific types of service

• Align service work with school values and priorities

What was once a one-dimensional tracking system is now a flexible framework that supports the school’s broader mission.

Goals That Drive Accountability

Helper Helper’s goals feature has become a key part of how Cotter tracks and motivates student participation.

Each grade has its own requirements, and students can easily see their progress through the platform.

“My favorite aspect is the circle that fills in as students complete their goals. Students are no longer saying they don’t know how many hours they’ve completed.”

This real-time visibility helps students stay on track and reduces the need for staff to monitor progress manually.

Bringing the Story of Service to Life

Cotter also uses Helper Helper to celebrate and showcase student impact.

Photos from service events are regularly shared:

• On social media

• Alongside live service hour totals

• During Service Awards ceremonies

These moments highlight not just participation, but the impact and dedication of students, especially those who go above and beyond the required hours.

Empowering Community Partners

Another major advantage has been the ability to involve community partners directly.

By allowing partners to post service opportunities and view sign-ups, Cotter has simplified coordination and expanded access to opportunities for students.

“Allowing others to post opportunities has been a game changer.”

Simple Access with Single Sign-On

With Google Single Sign-On, both students and staff can easily access Helper Helper without needing to manage additional passwords.

The setup process was straightforward, and adoption has been seamless across the school.

A System That Scales with the School

For Cotter Schools, Helper Helper has done more than improve efficiency—it has helped build a stronger, more visible culture of service.

“Helper Helper saves everyone a lot of time and keeps everything organized in one place.”

By reducing administrative burden, improving accountability, and making service more accessible, Cotter has created a program that not only meets requirements—but inspires students to go beyond them.