Project Impact
Project Impact brings together middle and high school students interested in social change. Student teams identify service initiatives in their school and community that aim to create real community change. Through project planning and hands-on work, students grow as leaders, build empathy and become advocates for sustainable impact. The Center for Civic and Community Engagement brings together these teams three times annually for conferences to learn and engage.
The Student Impact Alliance is a subset of the Project Impact students that brings together students from each Project Impact school to collaborate on a shared social issue. The Alliance meets monthly and will develop potential solutions to their community issue. The issue selected for 2025-26 is Youth Mental Health.
Together, we will explore:
- How can students from different backgrounds work together to solve community challenges?
- How can their unique experiences shape a lasting, student-led service alliance?
- How do we measure the long-term impact of service learning?
Program Details
- Two Service Learning Conferences at Point Park University (November & February)
- Monthly virtual Alliance meet-ups for lead students representing their teams
- Option to present team service projects, earn awards and qualify for Point Park’s 412 Impact Summer Camp at the culminating celebration event (April/May)
- Support from nonprofit partners, mentors, graduate students and more!
Program Focus Areas & Skill-Building Competencies
- Understanding Community Needs
- Exploring Community Partners & Resources
- Appreciating Diverse Perspectives
- Action Planning & Goal Setting – Be SMART!
- Advocating: Raising Awareness for Change
- Impacting & Inspiring: Sharing Service through Storytelling
Participating Schools and Organizations:
Brashear High School – 1Nation Mentoring
Brownsville Area Middle School
Brownsville Area High School
Clairton High School
Dickson STEAM Academy – 1Nation Mentoring
GirlGov – Women and Girls Foundation
Norwin High School
Pine-Richland High School
Pittsburgh Hardball Academy
Pittsburgh King Pre-K–8
The Neighborhood Academy
