Impact is an earned tuition program made by Sauk Valley Community College. This program provides students the opportunity to earn money for tuition and fees for up to three years at Sauk who graduate within the Sauk district. The Impact program is a growing community with now around 1,887 students enrolled across the Sauk district.
Students qualify for this program when they register before September 1st of their freshman year. Students have to complete 100 hours of community service before high school graduation, which is 25 hours of community service per year. Students also have to attend a high school or a home school program within the Sauk Valley Community College area. Districts included in this are Carroll County, Ogle County, Lee County, Bureau County, and Whiteside County. Students also have to apply for another scholarship either locally, in the state, or on a national level. A local scholarship could be Sterling Kiwanis Club scholarships for seniors in the Sterling and Rockfalls area.
Requirements for remaining in the program while enrolled at Sauk is students have to maintain a 2.0 GPA per semester. Then students must be enrolled in a certificate, degree, or transfer program. Just like in high school, you have to complete 25 hours of community service a year to stay enrolled during your time at Sauk. The impact program gives the opportunity for free tuition for a very small amount of work.
Being in the Impact program has many benefits such as gaining social skills and leadership while working with many people.
Sophomore Saidey Malmberg said she “believes that the impact program gives students many opportunities and benefits as they get older like working with food pantries and learning how to help others.”
Many students believe that you should enroll into the impact program as it gives you great opportunities for the future.
Sophomore Harper Johnson said, “I enjoy volunteering at places that represent my interests, I get to learn more in my field of interest and enjoy getting hours. It teaches social skills and a desire to provide for others without payment”.
Students in the Impact program sign up to do different community service jobs. Doing volunteer work looks great on your college applications and even if you do not choose to go to Sauk, the work you do gives back to the community. The Impact program creates a path for students for their college education and career through learning new things and public service.
