Improved code quality
and lower defect rates driven by XP adoption.
A non-profit humanitarian organization partnered with Galvanize to accelerate its Agile transformation and upskill its engineering teams on modern software practices.
Key Outcomes
70% of engineers upskilled
into a cloud native development approach within two years
Context
Building Modern Engineering Capabilities to Power Global Impact
A global humanitarian non-profit was undergoing a digital transformation after 20+ years on older systems and technology. They needed external expertise to equip engineering teams with a new approach to work and the corresponding technical skillsets to continue their commitment to deliver uninterrupted, quality services to field workers and donors.
More critically, the non-profit needed a cultural shift toward modern Agile and XP practices. To address these gaps, the organization engaged Galvanize to design and deliver a program aligned with its transformation goals.
Our Approach
Collaborate
Galvanize worked closely with the organization’s leadership to understand its Agile transformation goals, team structure, and technology stack. Together, they identified skill gaps across development and product roles, and prioritized both technical and cultural enablers needed for successful adoption.
Translate
The team designed a customized Cloud Native Developer program focused on modern Agile and XP practices, mobile-first development, and continuous delivery workflows. The curriculum combined technical skills such as Python, TDD, user story writing, backlog management, and continuous deployment, with cultural components to help teams adopt XP values and principles.
Innovate
Delivery emphasized project-based learning to ensure immediate, practical application. Participants identified business opportunities early in the program and developed real-world solutions, including a mobile application that provided real-time donor updates from the field. Instructors acted as embedded coaches, guiding teams through Agile sprints, pair programming, and iterative development.
Validate
Galvanize implemented formative assessments to track skill growth, supplemented by weekly reporting to leadership for visibility and accountability. Technical proficiency and soft skills, such as collaboration and communication, were measured throughout the program to support sustained adoption.
Impact
The program became a catalyst for widespread adoption of modern Agile and XP practices across the organization. Within two years, a majority of engineers were actively using TDD, pair programming, and two-week iteration cycles.
- Over the course of two years, 70% of all engineers working in the organization had been upskilled into a cloud native development approach
- XP practices have led to a team mindset of “total ownership” and a significant reduction in defect rates through quality code while achieving faster, more iterative delivery
Client Voice
Let’s Collaborate
At Galvanize, we believe progress happens through partnership. We work side-by-side with our clients to turn strategy into action and learning into performance.
Ready to build what’s next together?