AI has arrived — we must face it head on. For the College of Business and Economics CIS alumnus Jeffrey Tam, this truth became the spark behind a deeply meaningful thesis: “Business Perspectives on the Latest Trends in Artificial Intelligence: Content and Design Development for Nonprofit Websites with Generative Artificial Intelligence.” What began as a research requirement quickly transformed into a personal mission to empower nonprofits that rarely have access to emerging technology.
Jeffrey understood early on that nonprofits often juggle heavy workloads with limited staff, outdated tools, and not enough time. Wanting to bridge that gap, he dedicated his research to exploring how generative AI could support organizations that serve our most vulnerable communities. For him, this project wasn’t simply about testing new technology—it was about honoring the work nonprofits do and giving them tools to thrive in a digital world.
His work became even more personal when he partnered with A Community of Friends (ACOF), a Los Angeles–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on ending homelessness. ACOF develops and manages affordable housing units for individuals with mental illnesses and those facing extreme housing insecurity. Since 1988, the organization has held tightly to its mission of providing dignified, supportive housing that fosters a sense of belonging and community. Guided by the values of dignity, excellence, community, and equity, ACOF has built more than properties—it has built places where people can rebuild their lives.
Over two years, Jeffrey immersed himself in ACOF’s world, attending meetings, speaking with staff, and observing firsthand the commitment behind their work. His goal was not to impose technology, but to listen and understand where AI could truly make a difference. Through countless conversations, he learned about ACOF’s unique program structure, which separates services for adults and children into distinct areas to better meet individual needs.
This structure became central to how Jeffrey approached his website research. ACOF’s supportive services encompass three main programs: Family & Children’s Services (the Children’s Program), Health and Housing, and Professional Development (the Adults’ Program). The Children’s Program focuses on after-school enrichment and support for young residents, while the Adults’ Program offers job readiness training and life skills workshops to empower adult tenants toward greater independence. Each program has its own manager, volunteers, and distinct goals—reflecting ACOF’s belief in meeting people where they are.
By understanding these differences, Jeffrey realized the website needed more than general updates—it needed clear, individualized spaces to represent each program. This influenced everything from the site structure to the prompts he designed for generative AI. Program managers shared the importance of giving each service its own dedicated page, ensuring stakeholders could easily grasp the purpose and impact of each offering. Jeffrey’s content and design strategy was built around honoring these distinctions, ensuring AI-generated text aligned with ACOF’s values and communication goals.
Working closely with the ACOF team, Jeffrey developed an AI-supported approach that streamlined website content creation, improved design workflows, and strengthened internal communication processes. His hope was simple: allow nonprofits like ACOF to spend less time on manual administrative work and more time doing what they do best serving their communities. The collaboration gave Jeffrey a profound understanding of nonprofit realities, and it gave ACOF new tools tailored to their mission.
Jeffrey later presented this work at CBE Community Engagement Symposium on April 25th, 2025, here at Cal State LA campus where he received praise for the clarity and social relevance of his project. His research demonstrated what is possible when technical innovation meets community-centered purpose—something the Cal State LA, College of Business and Economics proudly encourages in its students.
In a rapidly evolving digital era, Jeffrey’s work is a reminder that AI’s greatest power is not in automation but in amplifying the efforts of those who care for our most vulnerable. His project is a rare blend of innovation, empathy, and real-world impact—an example of student-led research that deserves to be celebrated.