IMPACT (Inclusive Muslim Program for Awareness, Community, and Tolerance)

Project Focus: Student Belonging and Inclusion

Target Audience and Location: Muslim students in the Anoka-Hennepin school district in Minnesota.

Vision: School communities understand and honor Muslim students’ needs so that all students feel welcomed and valued.

Mission: To engage school staff and faculty in how they can meet Muslim students’ needs through education and advocacy.  

Project Description: Founding Scholar Kamar Sati and educator Virginia Brown Acevez designed their project to address the challenges Muslim students face in their school district, particularly around meeting their religious and cultural needs. Through education and advocacy, the project works to create a more inclusive environment by supporting faculty and staff in better understanding these needs. This year, the team is increasing engagement through monthly community events while building a sustainable youth leadership council to guide their work. By expanding outreach, creating youth-informed programming, and developing new student leaders, they plan to strengthen both participation and long-term impact.