Halfway through the 2025 NCAA® Community Engagement Impact Challenge, more than 200 Division I, II, and III schools using Helper Helper have logged over 82,582 volunteer hours in their local communities. Powered by Helper Helper’s community engagement platform, the challenge brings student-athletes together across the country to serve, lead, and learn through hands-on impact.
Through Helper Helper, schools are able to track their service, highlight standout projects, learn from peers across divisions, and celebrate the student-athletes who are leading the way.
The challenge runs through December 15, 2025, with one Division I, II, and III member school to be recognized for their commitment to its local and campus community.
Today we are 8 weeks into the 15 week challenge. Below are the standings for DI, DII, DIII.
Service in Action
Participation is up this year, with 24 new schools joining the challenge for the first time. Many are leaning into creative service projects, cross-team partnerships, and new community relationships that will last beyond the challenge itself.
At the University of Miami, student-athletes are leading through connection with their Pen Pal Program, which pairs more than 110 student-athletes with local elementary school students. The program has revived the art of letter writing, bringing joy and encouragement to both the children and the athletes who serve them.
Salisbury University supports the Sea Gull Century Event, a nationally acclaimed cycling event that starts and finishes on campus. Student-athletes from multiple teams volunteer at rest stops, cheer on riders, and create an atmosphere of pride and celebration across the community.
At Regis University, student-athletes partner with Team IMPACT, an organization that connects college teams with children facing serious and chronic illnesses. This spring, Regis will host its third annual Colorado Team IMPACT Field Day, bringing together 25 matches and 8 universities for a day of games, rides, and celebration, all organized by student-athletes themselves.
Meanwhile, at Coker University, student-athletes have built a long-standing relationship with the Darlington County Humane Society. Teams visit weekly to walk dogs, help with baths, and spend time with animals waiting for adoption. With the shelter now located just a mile from campus, service has become an even more regular part of student-athlete life.
At Kentucky Wesleyan College their semester started with all Freshmen working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to help build and deliver 250 beds to young people throughout the community. It has become an annual event on our campus where students get to build a bed from start to finish.
Seattle University partnered with No More Under and supported 48 kids through free swim lessons. Forty-two student-athletes volunteered and loved teaching young kids how to swim.
Millikin University turned its long-standing participation in the WSOY Community Food Drive into a campus-wide movement of service and collaboration. Led by SAAC, student-athletes united multiple teams to raise funds, collect food, and volunteer at the event — contributing to one of the nation’s largest one-day food drives and helping support local families experiencing food insecurity. This momentum has inspired a lasting impact on campus, including the launch of the Millikin Market, a new resource to provide nutritious food to students in need.
Helper Helper continues to make it simple for athletics departments to organize service opportunities, verify participation, and share the story of their impact on and off campus.
Voices from the field
“Community service is where Miami Hurricane pride turns into purpose. As Canes, we carry the privilege of representing more than our teams, we represent the people who support us each and every day. Giving back allows us to lead with heart, strengthen the bond between our campus and our city, and show that being a Cane means creating lasting impact beyond our sports.”
— Robert Joseph, SAAC President & Track & Field Student-Athlete, University of Miami
“Our mission at ODU aligns seamlessly with the NCAA® Community Engagement Impact Challenge, both rooted in cultivating a heart for service. By giving our time and energy to help others, we not only uplift our communities but also grow as individuals and teammates.”
— Amy Lynch, Old Dominion University
“At Salisbury University, community service isn’t an obligation – it’s part of who our student-athletes are. Our Sea Gulls understand that leadership extends outside the competition venues. Their commitment to community impact reflects the same dedication, teamwork, and pride they bring to their respective sport.”
— Monica Polizzi, Director of Athletics, Salisbury University
What Schools are Saying
“Our student-athletes and coaches are genuine and outstanding humans first and foremost. We continue to partner with Helper Helper because one of our core Jesuit values is servant leadership. Our ranking in DII is just validation of our strong commitment to being active members of our community.”
— Andy Wheeler, Senior Deputy AD, Regis University
“Here at UC Santa Cruz, one of our core principles is our sense of community and service. Our student-athletes have leaned in with creativity and enthusiasm, finding new ways to serve both campus and community. It’s been an exciting movement that we’re proud to be part of.”
— Chris Spells, Director of Athletics, UC Santa Cruz
“We encourage a servant mindset at Miami, and I am immensely proud that our student-athletes continue to participate at a high level in the NCAA® Community Service Challenge. They continue to raise the bar for our community service efforts thanks to the leadership and guidance of Shirelle Jackson and our student-athlete development staff.”
— Dan Radakovich, Vice President/Director of Athletics, University of Miami
“At the University of Dayton, we are rooted in the Marianist tradition, committed to educating the whole person and linking learning with leadership and service. Participating in the NCAA Community Engagement Impact Challenge gives our student-athletes even more opportunities to give back, strengthen our community, and grow with purpose.”
— Krystal Warren, Associate Athletic Director, University of Dayton
“At New Jersey City University, we’re immersed in one of the most diverse communities in America. Our students enjoy this challenge because it hits home for so many of them. They love giving back to the community that has helped shape their lives.”
— Ron Baines, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development, NJCU
“Community service is a pillar within the athletics experience at Middlebury, and we’re thrilled to be part of the challenge for the first time. Giving back moves all of us forward.”
— Ali Paquette, Assistant Athletic Director, Middlebury College
Follow Along
At the halfway mark (8 weeks into the 15-week challenge), the standings highlight schools across all divisions leading the way in service.
There are 7 weeks left in the challenge, and new schools can still join until October 31st. Winners will be announced in January 2026, when schools will be presented with their awards.
Continue following the challenge via @helperhelperapp on Twitter or through weekly email updates. If you want to participate in the challenge you will want to contact krista@helperhelper.com.
About Helper Helper
Helper Helper is the leading community engagement platform used by college athletic departments to organize, track, and celebrate student-athlete service and involvement. Since 2014, Helper Helper has partnered with the NCAA to power the annual Community Engagement Impact Challenge, making it easy for student-athletes to give back and for schools to showcase their impact through friendly, data-driven competition.