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Social Impact SNHU is dedicated to being a force for good.

At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), we envision a world where people – regardless of life circumstances – can pursue pathways that unlock greater opportunity, social capital and upward mobility.

Our Commitments

  • Providing education access to underserved, historically marginalized and post-traditional learners
  • Being an employer of choice for a diverse national and global workforce
  • Creating a culture in which human difference is valued and innovation is ongoing
  • Supporting like-minded organizations, nonprofits and charitable groups
  • Building a generous community through service, partnership and philanthropy

Work In Progress

Our efforts are constantly in motion, but we’re proud to share what we’ve accomplished this far.

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62,000+ Global Days of Service Hours

Finished by staff, students and alumni since 2016

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90+ Charities Supported

Across the globe, from the United States to Eastern Africa

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3,000 Tons of Avoided CO2 Emissions

Through strategic energy management practices in 2022

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58,000+ Paid Volunteer Hours

Completed by full-time SNHU employees since 2016

A Collaborative Endeavor

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Sustainability Initiatives

In unison with a multitude of sustainability initiatives, SNHU is committed to creating a far-reaching, positive impact throughout our global community. We empower students and employees to advance a sustainable organization and culture by convening stakeholders, measuring our work, and sharing knowledge and successes.

SNHU students at a partnering community college.

Community Partnerships

Through partnerships with community-based organizations, SNHU’s Community Partners program aims to expand college access, drive degree completion rates and build workforce relevant skills among learners who have traditionally faced education barriers. For more information, contact communitypartners@snhu.edu.

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The Office of Diversity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion serves as lead strategist and thought partner on all university equity, diversity and inclusion matters and supports the SNHU community to expand access to higher education so that anyone, from anywhere, can achieve their goals. They instill the values of restorative practice and intercultural competency development to drive toward equal opportunities for students and employees alike. For more information, contact odi@snhu.edu.

A young girl writing using a marker in a notebook at SNHU's Center for New Americans.

The SNHU Center for New Americans

The SNHU Center for New Americans opened in 2017 to serve the educational needs of new American families in Manchester, New Hampshire. The program’s foundation is a safe space that welcomes anyone who enters, no matter their path to get there.

Three male students sitting at a table holding small colorful envelopes.

The Chandler Center

Since its formation in 2005, The Chandler Center's fundamental purpose has been to empower students to be civically engaged citizens who are committed to social action. Student leadership is at the core of its management, coordinating services and leadership opportunities that allow fellow scholars to be active members of society.

Southern New Hampshire University's GEM Class.

Global Education Movement (GEM)

The Global Education Movement (GEM) is a major SNHU initiative offering university degrees to refugees around the world. Created in 2017, GEM is the first large-scale online learning initiative for refugees, partnering with in-country organizations to deliver high-quality, low-cost education tailored to meet the needs of displaced learners.

A group of SNHU staff standing around a young boy who is wearing a yellow SNHU T-shirt.

Global Days of Service

SNHU Global Days of Service (GDS) is a 2-month-long community service event, where alumni, students, faculty and staff come together across the globe to strengthen local communities. Whether it's cleaning up parks, supporting shelters, or working with animals, these events have made a meaningful, measurable impact since 2016.

Two men and one woman holding colorful backpacks at an SNHU-sponsored Back to School Drive.

Back to School Drive

Each year, our Community Impact team leads a series of Back to School initiatives rooted in generosity and shared purpose. With support from SNHU employees, volunteers, and local partners, the team delivers donated supplies to thousands of educators and staff across the Manchester School District.

Related Articles

A group of 13 Global Days of Service volunteers, including SNHU President Lisa Marsh Ryerson, center, who supported the New Hampshire Food Bank.

Serving with Purpose the SNHU Way: Parks, People and the Planet

This past spring, SNHU alumni, students and employees commemorated the 10th annual Global Days of Service (GDS). From large-scale conservation projects to a microcosm of volunteers crafting for good, the SNHU community came together for the shared purpose of making a difference.

Two students working together on a laptop.

Re-engaging the 40 million Learners with Some College, No Credential

The latest policy brief by the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP) dives into the unique challenges and untapped potential of the 40 million learners with some college, no credential, and offers a practical framework for designing learner-centered programs that help these learners to re-enroll, persist, and complete their degrees.

An illustration of a diverse group of women.

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place each year on March 8, during Women’s History Month. It's a holiday observed across the globe that encourages you to reflect on women's history, celebrate women's achievements and take action to support gender equality.