College of Arts and Sciences

Impact Scholars Program

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of Vermont (UVM) is proud to introduce Impact Scholars, a new program for first-year students designed to foster leadership, innovation, and community engagement. Beginning in fall 2026, this selective initiative will bring together a small cohort of students who share a passion for creating positive change and reflect the unique qualities that recently earned UVM recognition as the nation’s top public university “making an impact,” according to The Princeton Review. Students designated as Impact Scholars will be part of a distinctive community committed to shaping the future, with many opportunities to connect, collaborate, and make their mark from the very first day of their UVM journey.

Benefits of Being an Impact Scholar

Students wearing matching orientation T-shirts chatting and checking in indoors.

Exclusive Pre-Orientation Program

This three-day program precedes the main UVM Orientation and will help you make an immediate impact, identify career paths, and establish networks with alumni and other impact-oriented students. You’ll also participate in sessions with government, business, social services, and non-profit leaders.
Students talking and socializing at an indoor event.

Social and Career Development Activities

As an Impact Scholar, you’ll live in the Leadership & Social Change learning community, where you’ll get to participate in community-building activities like pizza and ice cream nights, plus professional networking workshops, guest lectures, film screenings, and panel discussions.
Students studying and working together in a campus academic space.

A Specialized Academic Experience

In your first year, you’ll receive a list of recommended courses for the fall and spring semesters. You’ll also be scheduled into one of two Impact Scholar-related courses built around the program’s key “impact” areas, such as public service, public health, student journalism, and the environment.
A large group of students smiling and joining hands in a team huddle.

Who Can Be an Impact Scholar?

We seek first-year CAS students who have demonstrated commitment to community and public service—such as through student government, community engagement, environmental initiatives, student journalism, sustainability, and public health—to join the 2026-2027 Impact Scholars program.

Who Can Be an Impact Scholar?

We seek first-year CAS students who have demonstrated commitment to community and public service—such as through student government, community engagement, environmental initiatives, student journalism, sustainability, and public health—to join the 2026-2027 Impact Scholars program.

What Do I Need to Do to Apply?

Nothing! CAS will work with the UVM Office of Admissions to identify incoming students poised to make an impact based on their prior experiences as leaders, innovators, and/or agents of social and cultural change. But there’s no need to submit an additional application! We’ll rely on materials submitted for admission to the university, looking specifically at extracurricular activities in high school, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays. Invitations to the program will begin to go out in March 2026.

For more information, email us at CAS@UVM.edu. 

FAQs

When is the Impact Scholars Pre-Orientation Program?
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Impact Scholars move into campus on Sunday morning, August 23. The Pre-Orientation program kicks off Sunday afternoon and concludes at noon on Wednesday, August 26.

Is the Impact Scholars Pre-Orientation Program required?
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Yes.

Is there any cost for me for Pre-Orientation?
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As a benefit of being named an Impact Scholar, there is no cost for this Pre-Orientation experience. 

When do Impact Scholars start traditional orientation?
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Impact Scholars begin orientation on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 26 and it runs through Sunday, August 30, ending with the candle-light convocation ceremony that evening. Classes begin Monday, August 31.

What is the course commitment for this program?
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In your first semester at UVM, you will be scheduled into one Impact Scholar-related course built around the program’s key “impact” areas, such as public service, public health, student journalism, and the environment. We will provide you with a list of recommended courses that you could consider adding to your first year schedule, but only the one course is required.