The mission of IMPACT (acronym for Intelligent Men of Color Purposefully Accomplishing College Together) is to increase the retention and graduation rates of male students of color at institutions of higher education. By deliberately addressing issues that affect the academic, social, and cultural growth of young men, IMPACT helps to foster an environment that builds a legacy of success for current and future students. Our organization of diverse, socially conscious professionals serves as a network of mentors to promote expressed camaraderie, peer-to-peer support, and academic excellence. The efforts and outcomes of our work are affirmed through the betterment of our collective communities. In the next 5 years, we envision IMPACT beginning the transition to move from a regional organization to an influential national program. Creating the necessary infrastructure to support national growth, we intend to make IMPACT available to institutions who believe in the necessity of our mission. With a continued focus on retention and post-graduate success, IMPACT also hopes to expand its reach as it pertains to issues of access and education reform. In order to truly understand the vision one must understand that our program is grounded in the belief that men of color hold the key to uplifting their respective communities. Our mission is to address the immediate issues pertaining to higher education, which represents the first step in chipping away at a culture of poverty, misrepresentation, and injustice. Our guiding principle is to equip young men with tools to be visible change agents in their families, communities, and workplace. {This will either be “Our Oath” or “The Code of Honor/IMPACT”] [Oath] An adapted version of Edward Everett Hale’s quote, “I am only One…” “I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But I can do something. And because I cannot not do everything, I will not refuse to do what I can do. Because there is no one quite like me And I can make an IMPACT!” [The Code of Honor/IMPACT] IMPACT is where character, scholarship, and respect serve as my currency and commitment. IMPACT is where my individual success is the success of the group, and my individual failure is the failure of the group. IMPACT is where failure is not an acceptable outcome, because failure shows lack of self advocacy and support from the group. IMPACT is where I will not tolerate discrimination of any kind because discrimination of any kind is discrimination of my kind. IMPACT is where education and social activism are the mechanisms used to stomp out injustice and uplift humanity. IMPACT is where my love and support of my brother is demonstrated through my ability to hold him accountable for his actions and challenge him to be his best self. IMPACT is where my word is my bond and my bond is never broken. These are the beliefs that I will honor. These are the beliefs that I will commit to. These are the truths that will allow me to make an IMPACT.