MANASSAS — When Jackie Krick founded IMPACTO Youth back in 2013, the idea was to inspire youth to be the drivers of their own fulfilling destiny. The nonprofit wanted to teach economically and socially disadvantaged youth that opportunities are there for all who want them, and if they need an extra hand, there’s help.
Through IMPACTO Youth’s programs that encourage workforce development, leadership, learning and literacy, they are succeeding, and that’s why they received the Chamber’s 2018 Arts and Education award.
“We were nominated by the Manassas City Superintendent and Sharon Henry from SPARK,” said Caroline Shaaber, Executive Director.
SPARK, Supporting Partnerships and Resources for Kids, is the education foundation for Prince William County schools.
“The award was a tremendous honor. We have been working so hard in our local community to make a difference in the lives of our youth.”
One of the ways IMPACTO Youth is making a difference is by partnering with Manassas City Schools and the Governor’s STEM Academy to create a nine-week program for students at Osbourn High School. Students in the Entrepreneurship classes take a business concept from start to finish under the mentorship of local professionals. Content includes business financing, business law, advertising, networking, time-management, soft skills and business planning.
Students complete the program with a viable business plan and “real world” experience by having the sessions facilitated at the CenterFuse Coworking Space in Historic Manassas.
But there’s more going on behind the scenes. IMPACTO Youth has also developed an in-school leadership program in partnership with Rotary International. They have sponsored disadvantaged youth to take part in Leadership Prince William (LPW)’s Youth Academy, enabling students to build leadership skills through meaningful hands-on team building experiences and fun workshops. They have sponsored 133 students to attend the Boys and Girls Club summer camp. They purchased tablets for elementary schools in Prince William and Manassas. The list goes on.
The organization’s nomination form states, “IMPACTO Youth’s dedication to youth is demonstrated every day through the countless hours devoted to training, leadership, and support.” They continue “to provide hundreds of students in our Title I schools additional opportunities to excel.”
Shaaber said it was very rewarding to have their work recognized.
“And the Winners Are” is a series highlighting Prince William Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business Award winners.
