UF Impact Scholars Awards

Undergraduate & Graduate students who complete the core course and engage in experiential learning consulting projects in the greater-Gainesville community are recognized as “SIS Impact Scholars,” to formalize and recognize their education and experience in social impact and sustainability, as leaders and changemakers. Students who study impact, practice impact, create impact, and share their impact stories will be awarded as UF SIS Impact Scholars.

Tracks are available for both undergraduate and graduate students to become UF SIS Impact Scholars and have the opportunity to:

1. Study Impact: by earning a passing grade in Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship, ENT3503/ENT6506 (additional options to fulfill the Study Impact requirement are below)
2. Practice Impact: by earning a passing grade in one of the three Impact Consulting Courses (ENT4934/ENT6930) offered each Spring Mod 3 — working as a consultant on an experiential learning project for a for-profit or nonprofit venture in the greater-Gainesville community
3. Create Impact: by engaging on campus & in the community by completing an Impact Internship or by developing an impact venture and competing in the Social Impact & Sustainability Award category of The Big Idea Business Plan
4. Tell Your Impact Story: by submitting an Impact Scholar Report by the deadline prior to graduation

UF Impact Scholars will receive UF Impact Scholars Awards consisting of a digital badge from Credly, a certificate for their achievement, as well as graduation cords.

Study Impact

Earn a passing grade in Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship (ENT3503/ENT6506).

Practice Impact

Work as a consultant on experiential learning project for a for-profit or nonprofit venture in the greater-Gainesville community, by participating in at least one of the following:

Other Practice Impact Options

Complete another substantive impact consulting project– be sure to receive approval from Dr. Joys prior to beginning (examples include: continue an Experiential Learning Consulting Project from a prior ENT class; complete a semester-long impact-focused consulting project with Enactus, Gatornest, or through the IA Internship Program; complete a MDP program Field Practicum; serve as a consultant to one of the participants in the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program). Again, please email Impact Scholars regarding the options above so we can help you to move forward and ensure your successful completion of the Practice Impact requirement.

Create Impact

Engage on campus & in the community through at least one of the following activities:

Other Create Impact Options

Complete another substantive endeavor to create impact – be sure to receive approval from Dr. Joys prior to beginning (examples include: represent UF at a business pitch or plan competition (like TCU Values & Ventures, GNV Startup weekend, Startup Games, etc.) with an impact-focused venture; start an impact-focused venture and join one of our local incubators/accelerators (the Gator Hatchery, Innovation Hub, StarterSpace, etc.); win a grant from the Brown Center for Leadership & Service; serve on the leadership team of one of EIC’s student organizations). Again, please email Impact Scholars regarding the options above so we can help you to move forward and ensure your successful completion of the Create Impact requirement.

Tell Your Impact Story

Submit your Impact Scholar Report:
Apply to certify your status as an Impact Scholar by submitting an online form with evidence that you completed the requirements & sharing about your impacts by November 15 (for Fall), March 15 (for Spring), or July 1 (for Summer) of your graduating semester.