Student Impact Centre

Do you have an inspiring idea for a soc(iet)al project? Or do you want to take action to promote sustainability, diversity & inclusion, or equal opportunities in education? Then the Student Impact Centre (SIC) is here for you.

The Student Impact Centre is dedicated to empowering students who want to make meaningful change by addressing societal issues through organising events or participating in long-term initiatives.

Want to start creating impact?

Do you already have an idea of how you want to create impact, whether it be through starting a new project or by joining an existing one? Or are you not sure yet how you want to do it? We are here for you, to provide guidance and inspiration.

• Support: we coach you from start to end with your own soc(iet)al project, by helping you create a workplan and set out your intended goals. We also assist you in finding financial resources and direct you to relevant courses or workshops.
• Connection: we get you in touch with the right people and/or organisations to talk to or work together with. We also organise networking events. 
• Inspiration: we coach you by investigating your specific interests and qualities. We also inspire social activism and creativity by actively recruiting our own projects.
• Activation: we raise awareness of soc(iet)al issues within the university and focus on strengthening the community of people within the UvA who want to make an impact, through our support, connectivity and by inspiring students.

Science Connect course

We are also involved in the Master’s course Science ConnectExternal link. During this course you write a project proposal to contribute to a solution for a soc(iet)al issue, using your (academic) knowledge and your specific skills. After finishing the proposal, the SIC can provide support to turn the written proposal into realization.

Examples of projects by students like you

• Dyslexia-friendly texts campaign, which aims to make students and teachers aware of the impact of text fonts and layouts of documents.
• E-Learning accessible teaching materialsExternal link, a course which empowers educators and students to understand and implement accessibility principles, aiming to remove the persistent barriers for disabled students and promote inclusivity in education.
• Get Ready SummerschoolExternal link, which offers support for first-generation first-year Bachelor's students.
• An Informative Bug BanquetExternal link, diving into the interdisciplinary topic of edible insects, with lectures and insect-based snacks.
• The Meet your Mentor programme supports Dutch students with an ethnic minority background and/or first-generation students in their exploration of the job market after graduation. 
• Talk That Science,External link a radio show and podcast that brings science to life by combining captivating musical interludes with in-depth conversations with prominent scientists.
• Educational programme StudieHubExternal link, which offers free tutoring for students in elementary or high school, founded by DiversityTalks.

Our mission

At the heart of the Student Impact Centre lies the belief that through making an impact, within or outside the Universities walls, students gain a great learning opportunity. Our focus is mainly on promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and the pursuit of equal opportunities in (higher) education. Therefore, the goal of the SIC is twofold; our activities have a positive impact on society, and we help students develop their skills and gain new experiences.