1. Transforming Service and Civic Engagement

2. What is IMPACT?
IMPACT is Niagara’s new and transformed approach to community service, service-learning, and civic engagement.
It is designed to offer deep and meaningful student learning experiences while also having a greater impact in the community.
We work in teams on actual projects addressing real needs and issues in our local neighborhoods.

3. Key Components of Niagara University’s IMPACT Model
Leadership
Vincentian systemic change
Project-based learning
Collective impact
Creates an inspiring vision of the future, motivates people, and builds a team, so that it is more effective at achieving the results.
Aims to develop long- term solutions that address the root causes of a problem – i.e., goes beyond meeting people’s basic needs
We attain much more and have a greater impact when we work together on an issue.
We work in teams to investigate and respond to a practical, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

4. The need is great. Where can YOU help?
Poverty
Workforce development
Literacy
Health and Wellness
Early Childhood
Education
Unemployment rate
Niagara Falls %
Niagara County - 10%
36.4% of Niagara Falls children live in poverty
12.5% of Niagara Falls residents have Bachelor’s Degree or higher
30% functional illiteracy rate in Niagara County

5. Make a Difference in Niagara Falls!
About
1 in 2 residents are struggling financially
37%
of the city’s
at-risk population are unemployed
15%
of those most vulnerable have urgent concerns for food
1 in 4
of those most vulnerable do not have health insurance
277
students dropped out of high school in
10,900
residents are below the federal poverty level
76%
of those surveyed are receiving some form of public assistance
15%
of residents have less than a high school education

6. Examples of NU IMPACT Projects
Professor Burt’s (Accounting) students assist local senior citizens and low-income residents with their taxes.
Professor Garland’s (College of Education) students host and coordinate the Special Olympics for the WNY region.
Professor Alegre’s (Management) students design business plans and marketing strategies for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Francis Center.
Professor Winter’s (Finance) students conduct financial audits for small organizations that would otherwise not be able to afford one.
Professor Tutka’s (Sports Recreation and Management) students will soon be running all aspects of a local collegiate summer baseball team.

7. What does IMPACT do for you?
Discover and put to use the skills that employers
are looking for
Build your resume and prepare for a career
Apply what you are learning in the classroom
to real problems in the community
Develop leadership abilities and work as a member of a team
Improve critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills
Become a change agent and make a difference!

8. “Action is our entire task”
For more information or to get involved, visit us in ACAD 125 or check us out online at
Or visit our Facebook page:
facebook.com/NiagaraIMPACT
You may also Brittany DePietro, IMPACT Coordinator:
“Action is our entire task”
St. Vincent de Paul