Impact started in October 1997 with nine members, their own money, and a dream to start an artistic program for kids in Harlem. Four year later, Impact has become more than they every envisioned it to be. "We provide leadership training and try to reach out to young people," Joseph voices about the progression of his organization. "We're an example that it is possible to work hard, have fun and make a difference." These concept seems to be working, every song and dance are reflections of current events with a message. One such performance is called Central Park, a response to the Puerto Rican Day Parade, where numerous girls were sexually harassed. The performance goes like many of their others, singers are around two mikes placed on the front of the stage and the dancers are in the center; everyone wares their various Impact shirts. Their latest message is a song of togetherness in response to the World Trade Center Tragedy.

Impact has proved to be more than a place of visual arts. Many participates have explained how Impact has provided them with other, more important, qualities. "It been a really great experience," 13- year- old Emily explains about her time at Impact. "Being in this program has brought up my grades and it has taught me a lot about leadership and how to stay focus."

One objective Impact focus on is the importance o f working hard, helping each other and self-confidence. "We are like a family," 18-year-old Danakai explains. "They motivate and try to reach out to you. You walk away with an understanding that if you work hard then you don't have to settle for less. You can do anything you put your mind on, rather it is being a good student or a good doctor."

Impact is not a regular youth program; their methods are extremely different. In fact, their methods may be the key to why it has been so successful in the past four years. The program has a strong military vibe. There are calls and response chants, designed for the participants to understand their purpose in the program. There are also constant fist in the air, as a symbol for silence and attention, and even pushups when someone losses focus. The program provides a great amount of discipline, which brings out many other qualities. "I believe I learn how to respect others a lot more," 16-year-old Crystal explains. "More than anything it has taught me how to be focused and patient."

Every student who enters gets a taste of Impact's methods the first days they attend. They have to go through a tryout and then through one of the most important parts of the program, Boot Camp. "My advice to anyone who joins Impact is to keep trying, Emily explains. "The work gets harder, especially in Boot Camp, and sometimes you get very frustrated. You just have to keep going." By the response of everyone in the program and the final product of their performances, all the hard work seems to be very rewarding.

With all its success Impact is still looking to get bigger and better. "In a few years from now I see Impact going straight to the top," 23-year- old instructor Theayis Jackson response to the question of their future. Almost everyone has a view on where Impact should go next, from getting a bigger space to allowing the program to be run by the youth. Overall, Impact has brought together the youth of Harlem's community and provided them with leadership, teamwork and numerous skills they will be able to use later on in life. "This is a place you can come and respect," Jackson explains. "This is a place of goals and dreams."