Arkansas Tech University sociology and criminal justice students engaged in Project IMPACT are focusing on supporting individuals and communities affected by trauma and systemic harm during the fall 2025 semester.
Project IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Minds Performing Acts of Community Transformation) is an initiative by the ATU chapters of Alpha Kappa Delta (sociology honor society) and Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice honor society), which are advised by Dr. Jason Ulsperger, ATU professor of sociology and criminal justice.
“Our students are committed to practical service that meets real needs,” said Ulsperger. “They listen, they plan and they act in ways that affirm dignity and hope for people who reach out for help.”
Project IMPACT worked with the ATU Office of Title IX in September to identify the needs of students served by the office. As a result, Project IMPACT students collected nearly 250 comfort and wellness items, raised more than $250 in gift cards and assembled 30 care packages for peers affected by Title IX-related concerns.
In October, Project IMPACT students gathered $900 in food gift cards and $100 for facility needs to support clients of the River Valley Child Advocacy Center (RVCAC). Stephanie Carter, ATU alumna and forensic interviewer, spoke to the Arkansas Tech students about RVCAC.
“The card donations support families attending the center for therapeutic services and children waiting to transition to DHS (Arkansas Department of Human Services) supervision,” said Ulsperger. “Students delivered items to the center, toured the facility and met Fitz, a comfort dog who calms children during interviews and therapy sessions.”
Project IMPACT will participate in a meeting with guest speakers from the Arkansas Department of Corrections on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
“The session will explore how institutions respond to specific types of criminal offenses, emphasizing prevention and rehabilitation,” said Ulsperger.
Send e-mail to julsperger@atu.edu to learn more about Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Phi Sigma, Project IMPACT and their activities.
