The 411 on IMPACT 360

Joe WestburyIndex

Individuals from diverse sections of the country such as Billy Findley of Florida, left, and Brad McDonald of Arizona, allow IMPACT 360 students to share ideas with those of different backgrounds. Exploring different points of view is how students grow in the program, instructors agree.

The cost

The base cost of the nine-month period is about $23,000, but that’s only half the answer. As is the case in academia, scholarships are available to lower that cost substantially for those who qualify.

Basie says that does not mean a free ride, however, and that financial aid is awarded based on need. For example, the daughter of a millionaire will not receive any assistance but the child of a single parent will attend at almost no cost. In fact, students from both scenarios have already been enrolled in the program.

The bottom line is that students who have proved themselves to be serious about their faith are given an opportunity to bolster their beliefs through participation in the program.

The goal

While IMPACT does provide instruction from a biblical perspective, there are many instances when there are no right or wrong answers; students are encouraged to form their own Christian worldview through critical thinking that best allows them to articulate their faith.

“We do not know where the next Wilberforce, the next Martin Luther King, the next George Washington will come from. But we want to be on the front edge of providing quality thinkers to the world,” says administrator John Basie.

The setting

Students live on the Pine Mountain campus, which is also the site of the Davis Inn. Some of the motel’s rooms have been set aside for student and guest faculty housing.

A separate building, the former residence of the Inn’s owners, serves as the hub for campus events and houses administrative offices and provides a classroom, dining area, and a room for casual socializing.

Admission Requirements

Students must have graduated from high school prior to attending and be 18-20 years of age while enrolled in the program. Minimum academic entrance requirements:

• ACT score of at least 22
• SAT score of at least 1030 (combined reading/math — not writing)
• Top half of graduating class
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Leadership experience and solid character

For more information visit www.impact360.net.