IMPACT Community Work-Study Program

APPLY FOR IMPACT

IMPACT Applications are open for Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses! Apply TODAY!

The Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement coordinates the IMPACT Community Work-Study program.

IMPACT provides opportunities for USM students to connect with the Pinebelt community, increase their civic engagement, and career readiness. Work-study eligible students are placed at Non-Profit and Community sites as part of their work-study job. IMPACT employees work up to 20 hours per week, with jobs ranging from teaching assistant to service ambassador.  

Students in the IMPACT program meet regularly with program administrators to discuss how their experiences are connected to their academic studies, their understanding of larger societal issues, and their plans for the future.  

To be eligible for the IMPACT program, USM students must be awarded Federal Work-Study through the USM Financial Aid office. They also need to have their own transportation to get to their community site.  

Students can determine work-study eligibility by checking their SOAR accounts or by checking with USM Financial Aids. Students must have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) before the Financial Aid office can determine eligibility. Members should be able to commit to at least 10 hours per week.  

Current IMPACT members serve with Hattiesburg area organization such as Aldersgate Mission, Christian Services, Compassus Hospice & Care,  First Start Academy,  Habitat for Humanity, Heart of Hospice, R3SM, Southern Pines Animal Shelter, USM Eagle's Nest Food Pantry. 

IMPACT members can also serve with Gulf Coast area organization such as the Community Care Network, Lynn Meadows, Make A Wish Foundation, STEPS Coalition, United Way, and the Youth Health Coalition .

Program Objectives

• As a result of participating in the IMPACT Program, students will….
• Test experiences in the community against knowledge gained through academic work and apply course content to community issues to achieve solutions to civic dilemmas.
  Identify and apply strategies that promote effective teamwork and collaboration through meaningful relationships.
• Demonstrate the critical thinking and reflective reasoning skills necessary to engage in innovative problem-solving and decision making.
• Develop intercultural competence and demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian values, by increasing their awareness and concern about the diverse needs in the community.
• Develop the leadership skills necessary to positively impact their communities.