WHAT IS IMPACT?
The IMPACT Leadership Institute is a guided, project-based experience designed to help undergraduate and graduate students take the skills they’re learning in class and apply them to real-world community challenges. Over the course of seven virtual workshops, students gain practical tools, explore their interests, and develop a focused initiative they can implement during the academic year.
Whether you’re continuing with your SWAP chapter or looking to build something meaningful before graduation, the IMPACT Institute gives you a structured, supportive space to turn your ideas into action.
WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?
Whether you are heading into your final year, just getting started, or freshly graduated, the IMPACT institute is your chance to grow as a leader while working on something that matters.
You will walk away with:
WHAT IS AN INITIATIVE?
An initiative is a student led project made up of 3-4 interactive events or experiences designed to engage others around a real world issue or need that matters to you.
Your initiative should reflect both your academic interests and personal passions—while also making a meaningful connection to your campus or broader community. Whether you're raising awareness, fostering dialogue, providing resources, or creating hands-on learning experiences, your programming is designed to bring people together and create real change.
This is your launch point—a first step toward building something bigger. With support from mentors and peers, you’ll develop a project that’s achievable within a semester but has the potential to grow beyond it. And for students continuing in a SWAP chapter, this initiative often becomes the foundation for future leadership and expanded outreach.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Institute runs from Late October to Early December, with one virtual session each week, each lasting about 3 hours. Sessions are designed to guide you step by step through the process of building your initiative, blending mini-lessons with hands-on activities, peer discussions, and real-time feedback.
Each session includes moments of teaching to introduce core ideas, followed by interactive planning time where you will collaborate, reflect, and put your ideas into action. By the end of each session, you will have something concrete, from a clarified purpose to a drafted plan.
Throughout the program, you will also have access to mentorship and a shared Slack space where you can ask questions, exchange ideas, and find support from fellow participants and Institute leaders. Whether you need help brainstorming or just want to stay connected, you are never on your own.
Stage 1: Self-Awareness & Community Connection
Workshop #1: Finding your "Why" and Defining Your Initiative's Purpose
Workshop #2: Researching and Understanding Community Need
Stage 2: Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
Workshop #3: SMART Goals for Social Change
Workshop #4: Planning Impactful and Engaging Events
Stage 3: Implementation & Adaptation
Workshop #5: Incorporating the Service Learning Framework
Workshop #6: Testing Implementation and Incorporating Feedback
Stage 4: Impact Reflection & Assessment
Workshop #7: Evaluating Success & Telling Your Story through Impact Assessment
ELIGIBILITY &
REQUIREMENTS
The IMPACT Summer Leadership Institute is open to both undergraduate and graduate students from any academic background who are ready to make a difference in their communities. You do not need to be a current SWAP member to join.
You are eligible if:
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You are currently enrolled in college or recently graduated
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You can commit to attending all virtual sessions
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You are motivated to develop a project that responds to a real-world issue or community need
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You are excited to grow as a leader and connect with like-minded peers
Registration Fee
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If your school has an active SWAP chapter, your registration fee is fully waived.
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If your school does not have a SWAP chapter, the registration fee is $250.
Application Process
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Apply here
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Application Deadline: October 20, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)