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Local Impact Experience
What is Western’s Impact Experience?
Impact Experience offers all students at Western and affiliated colleges access to unique co-curricular opportunities to support community projects during Western's Reading Weeks. Impact Experience is more than just a one-week experience--it is a program with leadership elements and workshops, combined with service and reflection.
The Winter term Local Impact Experience will take place from Tuesday, February 18 - Friday, February 21:
- Tuesday, February 18 (morning) - Impact Experience kickoff (on campus)
- Tuesday, February 18 (afternoon) - Community partner project training for students (on campus; optional)
- Wednesday, February 19 - Friday, February 21 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) - Project completion (onsite or on campus)
Following the Local Impact Experience, Western will facilitate a reflection activity for student participants and recognize their involvement on Western's Co-Curricular Record.
February 18 - 21, 2025
Available Projects
STEAM Education
Project Description:
The City of St. Thomas is redesigning its Master Transportation Plan and has discovered that high school youth are unaware of local activities and events. A local funder is seeking youth to design and prototype outdoor signage to keep their peers informed.
The STEAM Centre is looking for Impact Experience participants to research and design signage, then collaborate with high school students to create prototypes. The Centre offers access to laser cutters, 3D design, and photography to help bring the project to life.
Students interested in art, communications, engineering, marketing and/or community engagement are preferred.
Location: 745 St. Talbot Street, St. Thomas (transportation not provided, see transit options)
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Registration: Deadline to register February 6 at 11:59 p.m. Spots are limited.
L'Arche London
Project Description:
L'Arche London--an organization dedicated to creating homes and programs for people with developmental disabilities--is excited to host a Community Building Day at our Gathering Place. We aim to bring together elementary school students, our members, and Western University students for a day or half-day filled with engaging activities.
On the first day, students will spend time envisioning, planning, and purchasing supplies for the event. They will collaborate with us to finalize their ideas, then buy the necessary materials. The event will take place on the second day, featuring a Grade 6 class (22 students, including 2 with disabilities), 3 adults (2 EAs and 1 teacher/principal), and a variety of fun activities.
Location: 4448 Colonel Talbot Road, London
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: Peace, justice, and strong institutions
Registration: Deadline to register February 6 at 11:59 p.m. Spots are limited.
Ontario Centre for Talent Development
Project Description:
The Ontario Centre for Talent Development (OCFTD) is a nonprofit initiated at Western committed to advancing the education of Canadian young students in STEM, robotics, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The OCTD is seeking students to develop the following three initiatives:
- STEM Open House Program Development: Create an engaging open house to showcase OCFTD's STEM activities, inspiring students about STEM opportunities. Activities include brainstorming themes, designing promotional materials, and planning event logistics.
Deliverables: a comprehensive event plan, promotional materials, and a community engagement report. - Fundraising Plan for Youth Robotics Club: Develop a sustainable fundraising strategy for the OCFTD Youth Robotics Club, focusing on equipment, competitions, and scholarships. Activities include identifying donors, drafting outreach letters, and creating a digital fundraising campaign.
Deliverables: a detailed fundraising strategy, sample letters, and a pitch deck. - Marketing Resources for OCFTD Website: Enhance OCFTD's online presence by creating engaging website content to attract visitors and boost program participation. Activities include brainstorming content ideas, drafting articles, and optimizing for SEO.
Deliverables: new content pieces, an SEO strategy, and a user engagement plan.
Volunteers should be prepared for potential adjustments in the daily schedule depending on project needs. Any changes will be communicated in advance by the project coordinators.
Location: Western Discovery Park, London
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: Decent work and economic growth
Registration: Deadline to register February 6 at 11:59 p.m. Spots are limited.
Junior Achievement South Western Ontario
Project Description:
Through the delivery of hands-on learning experiences in financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, Junior Achievement (JA) empowers young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves and their communities. JA is a leader in preparing young people for success in an ever-changing global economy. Program Facilitators will join a class in-person to deliver one of JA’s programs, by using a mix of hands-on activities, discussions, and digital learning to engage students. JA will provide all lesson plans and materials for a fun and engaging day of learning supported by the classroom teacher. With your help, students can gain the knowledge and confidence they need to define their personal success and go after their dreams.
Mandy Deelstra, Volunteer Manager at JA SWO, and Claudia Villatoro, Program Manager for London, will join us on February 18 to facilitate orientation and training to prepare UWO students for heading into the classrooms. February 19-21 will be spent in local Grade 7 or 8 classrooms with your team delivering a JA program.
As a JA Volunteer you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people while utilizing and further developing your leadership, mentorship, and public speaking skills. JA provides all the program materials, training, and support so that your volunteer experience is fun, engaging, meaningful, and as easy as possible.
Location: Various schools across London
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: No Poverty
