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.
Recent Stories
Prince William County’s Office of Historic Preservation is working to restore one of the county’s most overlooked historic homes — the Williams-Dawe House.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will open two hours late on Wednesday, April 9, in response to a mass shooting that left three people dead and three others hospitalized Tuesday evening in neighboring Spotsylvania County.
Emergency crews remained on scene late into the evening Monday after a major gas leak was reported at the QTS data center just outside the City of Manassas.
A mass shooting has left three people dead and three others hospitalized in Spotsylvania County this evening, authorities confirm.
The New Dominion Choraliers
Have a Show-Stopping Concert in Store!
Join us on Saturday, May 3 or Sunday, May 4 as the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert with fun and fabulous songs straight from your favorite Broadway shows and Big Screen musicals. Selections from Pixar, Disney, and Rodgers and Hammerstein offer familiar tunes across the generations, as well as selections from Wicked, Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, and more!
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening
You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!
Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with
