The Volunteer Impact Academy is a program that provides students with the platform to impact our community by creating sustainable change through leadership and service.
The Academy (VIA) is an immersive four-year cohort experience designed for students that truly embody what it means to be a volunteer. As a member of the Volunteer Impact Academy, scholars will be equipped with the foundational skills to build on their personal strengths and improve our campus, local communities, and beyond. The program includes an annual scholarship, which automatically renews each year provided requirements are met.
Program Update:
Moving forward, the Volunteer Impact Academy will no longer be accepting new cohort classes. What this means:
- VIA will continue as it has with current cohorts
- The current student’s scholarship will continue
- No new students will be accepted into VIA
- Current cohort expectations remain unchanged
Year 1: Self Reflection
Create your own definition of what it means to be a Vol
- Ignite (Summer)
- Cohort VolServe (Fall & Spring)
- 4 additional hours of service in Fall semester
- 10 hours of service in Spring semester
- Team Building/Excursion (Spring)
- ELPS 211 Course (Fall)
- MLK Jr. Days of Service (Spring)
- Leading with CliftonStrengths Workshop (Spring)
Year 2: Campus Impact
Learn how to work with other Volunteers and make an impact on campus
- 25 hour Service Requirement
- Team Building/Excursion (Spring)
- LEAD 310 Course (Fall or Spring)
- CliftonStrengths 34 Report Seminar (Spring)
Year 3: Community Engagement
Exemplify what it means to be a Vol in the community
- 25 hour Service Requirement
- Elevated Service Requirement/Position
- Community Partner/Non-Profit Workshop Series (Fall)
- Team Building/Excursion (Spring)
Year 4: Global Transformation
Empowered by the connections and experience you have gained, prepare to make a global impact, and leave a lasting legacy at UT
- Elevated Service Requirement/Position
- 25 hour Service Requirement
- Team Building/Excursion (Fall & Spring)
- Career Readiness Workshop (Spring)
Leadership Positions:
Cohort Leaders are current VIA students who:
- Applications are accepted in March, each academic year
- Plan & lead cohort-specific meetings, excursions, and service opportunities
- Mentor and support all VIA cohort members and peers in achieving academic, programmatic, and personal success.
- Practice humble leadership development while continuing to develop personal leadership skills.
- Actively engage in the Division’s Mission to Learn, Lead, and Serve
- Applications are accepted in March, each academic year
- Must have previously served as a VIA Peer Mentor
- Must be in good standing within the Volunteer Impact Academy — meeting all GPA and service requirements
- Enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) at UT next Fall and Spring semesters