The NCAA Impact Challenge is back for Fall 2025 — and it’s already shaping up to be the biggest year yet. From September 1 through December 15, schools across all three divisions are coming together to celebrate the impact student-athletes make in their communities.

And the momentum is real: since the NCAA newsletter went out earlier this month, 20 new schools have signed up to join the challenge. That means thousands more student-athletes will be rolling up their sleeves to give back this season.

Here’s just a snapshot of who’s new to the competition this year:

•  Millikan University

•  Loyola University Chicago

•  University of Dayton

•  Columbia University

•  United States Military Academy

•  UNC Asheville

•  University of Northern Iowa

•  Middlebury College

…and many more, from every corner of the country.

Why It Matters

Student-athletes are leaders far beyond the game. The Impact Challenge recognizes entire athletic departments for their service efforts, measuring both:

1. Student-athlete participation across the department.

2. Average hours served per student-athlete.

This friendly competition is about more than winning a title. It’s about schools coming together to highlight the difference they make in their own backyards — tutoring kids, cleaning parks, serving meals, supporting shelters, and so much more.

Building on Last Year’s Success

Last year, schools across the NCAA logged tens of thousands of hours through the Impact Challenge, creating a ripple effect of service nationwide. From large DI programs to small DIII schools, the stories of impact poured in — and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

👉 Check out last year’s winners and results.

How It Works

Participation is simple. Thanks to Helper Helper — the volunteer management platform powering the challenge — schools can:

• Organize and post volunteer opportunities.

• Track hours across the entire department.

• Share service stories that capture the heart of their impact.

The best part? Every school that participates contributes to a bigger story of service, and one winner in each division will be recognized by the NCAA at the end of the challenge.

Join the Movement

The Fall 2025 Impact Challenge is underway, but it’s not too late to get involved. If your school hasn’t joined yet, there’s still time to make your mark.

👉 Register here to join this season’s celebration of service.

Together, NCAA student-athletes are proving that impact isn’t just measured in points scored or games won — it’s measured in lives touched, communities strengthened, and a legacy of service that lasts long after the final whistle.