IMPACT Office Academic Complex, Room 125 286-8750 IMPACT is housed in the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque C.M. Institute for Civic Engagement

Vincentian Mission Action is our entire task.

What has research shown us? 2016 National Assessment of Service and Community Engagement (NASCE) report done by Siena College Research Institute (SRI) reported: We have reasons to be proud, but we want the high IMPACT! Over 80% of NU students in 2016 have engaged in some kind of community service, significantly higher than national average of 49%. When compared to scores from 53,387 students from 2009-2016, NU students outperformed other students in all 9 areas and overall. Compared to institutions of a similar size, NU students participate in community service at a significantly higher rate (80% vs. 49%). YET… 70% of our students leave NU not feeling a deep commitment to service.

The Values of IMPACT Traditional Models of Service-Learning IMPACT Sporadic Short-term Based on partners’ immediate needs Measured by counting service hours Single semester commitment Focused on identified community needs aligned to NU mission Develops deep understanding of mission, service, collective impact, and systemic change Project-based learning throughout academic disciplines Career preparation through service Research-driven/ measured by outcomes Stresses leadership development

Niagara University’s IMPACT Model Freshman Discover Develop an understanding of the importance of service to the mission. Sophomore Plan Determine research need and plan ACTION project. Junior Action Implement the project through service hours and area of expertise. Senior IMPACT Collect data, analyze project to determine if outcomes were reached and identify IMPACT. Alumni Commit Engage in communities to become agents of change.

How does IMPACT fit into Niagara University’s Mission Goals? Niagara prepares its students for positions of responsibility in the professions and in the broader society. Through teaching, research and service in programs of study at the baccalaureate and graduate levels, Niagara seeks to develop within its students a passion for learning. NU’s commitment to the Catholic faith provides perspective in the search for truth and meaning. Catholic doctrine and its moral code inspire respect for the God-given dignity of every person and all faith traditions. Students experience the vision and reality of a gospel-based, value-centered education. Niagara draws inspiration from St. Vincent de Paul, who organized his contemporaries to respond compassionately to people's basic needs. Continuing this tradition, Niagara seeks to inspire its students to serve all members of society, especially the poor and oppressed, in local communities and in the larger world. Overall, through its curricular and extracurricular programs, NU seeks to develop the whole person, mind, body, heart and soul, for the benefit of one's personal and professional life.

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 vision. Recognize community needs and explore long- term solutions in addition to meeting basic needs of community stakeholders. Attaining much more and having greater IMPACT  when working collectively on an issue. Gain knowledge and skills with others to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

Why we need to strengthen our commitment … Poverty Workforce development Literacy Health and Wellness Early Childhood Education Unemployment rate Niagara Falls - 11.4% Niagara County - 10% Niagara Falls 36.4% children living in poverty Niagara Falls 12.5% have Bachelor’s Degree or higher Niagara County 30% functional illiteracy rate

More Reasons from Niagara Falls… About 1 in 2 Niagara Falls residents are struggling financially 15% of Niagara Falls’ most vulnerable have urgent concerns for food 37% of the city’s at-risk population are unemployed 1 in 4 of the most vulnerable in Niagara Falls do not have health insurance 277 students dropped out of high school in 2010-11 10,900 Niagara Falls residents are below the federal poverty level 76% of those surveyed are receiving some form of public assistance 15% of Niagara Falls residents have less than a high school education

Cradle to Career Needs that can Eliminate Poverty Early Childhood Health and Wellness Literacy Social skills Socio-economics Education Housing Workforce preparation Leadership

What can IMPACT do for your professional and personal growth? Career preparation & resume building Expand career possibilities Hands-on experience outside of the classroom Develop leadership skills Enhance communication, problem solving, and analytical skills Become an agent of change!

Why is this important from a career perspective Why is this important from a career perspective? Value of volunteerism - $24.00/hour Value of skills-based volunteering - $150.00/hour

The Civic 50 Companies that hire NU Grads: Aetna Inc. AT&T Citi Deloitte Fed Ex KeyBank Time Warner Cable United Health Group UPS Verizon

“Action is our entire task” For more information on the key components that make up IMPACT, proceed to the following modules! “Action is our entire task” St. Vincent de Paul