Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about joining Impact Lynk, logging community service hours, posting volunteer events, and managing your school's chapter program.
Getting Started
- What is Impact Lynk?
- Impact Lynk is a teen-led service network that connects high school students with nonprofits and volunteer opportunities. Students log community service hours, schools verify participation, and nonprofits post and manage events — all in one platform.
- Who can join Impact Lynk?
- Impact Lynk is open to students, student Chapter Leaders, schools, nonprofits, parents, staff, and general volunteers. Students join using either an approved student-led chapter code or a separate School account's code.
- How do I sign up?
- Visit the sign-up page and choose your account type. Students need an 8-character code from their school's School account or an approved student-led chapter. Chapter Leaders apply separately and can run a chapter without a School account.
- Is Impact Lynk free to use?
- Yes. Impact Lynk is free for students and schools. Nonprofit partners can contact us to discuss partnership options.
For Students
- Where do I get a school or chapter code?
- Ask your school administrator for a School account code, or ask a student Chapter Leader for their approved chapter code. Each 8-character code joins that organization; a chapter code does not create or link a School account.
- How do I log community service hours?
- Once you're signed in, navigate to your student dashboard and submit an hour log with the activity, date, hours, and any supporting information. Your school or student-led chapter reviews submissions for its own program.
- Can I log hours for events outside of Impact Lynk?
- Yes. Students can log hours for qualifying community service outside posted events. Your school or chapter can review those submissions; chapter approval alone does not guarantee school credit.
- How do I use Impact Lynk hours for college applications or transcripts?
- Your student dashboard shows your approved service hours. If you need school-specific credit or a transcript, check your school's requirements; a student-led chapter's hour approval does not automatically grant school credit.
- What happens if a photo verification is rejected?
- Your school or chapter reviewer can review submitted evidence alongside your hour log. If a submission is rejected, check the feedback before correcting it.
For Schools
- How does my school start a school-wide service program?
- Go to https://impactlynk.com/signup and choose the School account type. The school's program and code are separate from any student-led chapter; creating a School account does not make staff leaders of a chapter.
- Does a student-led chapter need a school advisor?
- No. Student leaders lead and oversee their own chapters, share approved chapter codes, and review their chapter's submissions. School staff manage a separate School account if the school chooses to create one.
- How do we export student service records?
- School advisors can download a complete export of all approved student hours from the school dashboard at any time. Exports are formatted for easy submission to transcript offices, college counselors, or district administrators.
- Does Impact Lynk work for schools with multiple campuses?
- Contact Impact Lynk to discuss school-program needs across campuses. Do not assume one student-led chapter or its code automatically creates or links School accounts for multiple campuses.
For Nonprofits
- How do nonprofits partner with Impact Lynk?
- Nonprofit partners apply to join the network through the sign-up flow or by contacting us directly. Once approved, you can post volunteer events, receive registrations from students in partnered chapters, and track participation.
- What kinds of volunteer events can we post?
- Any community service event suitable for high school students — from one-time service days to recurring commitments. Events should specify date, time, location, hours offered, and any requirements for volunteers.
- Can we see which students have signed up for our events?
- Yes. The nonprofit dashboard shows registrations for each event, including student names from partnered chapters. This gives you a real-time view of expected volunteer turnout.
- How do we connect with a specific Impact Lynk chapter?
- Event visibility depends on the selected audience and organization settings. Contact Impact Lynk about working with a specific chapter or school; event visibility by itself does not establish a formal partnership.
Platform & Privacy
- How does Impact Lynk protect student data?
- Impact Lynk is designed with student privacy as a core requirement. Student profiles are not publicly visible. Schools and student-led chapters review records for their own members. See our Privacy & Safety page for full details.
- What photo standards does Impact Lynk use for hour verification?
- Follow the photo guidance in the hour log form and any requirements of your school or chapter. Submitted photos are available to the relevant hour-log reviewers in your organization.
- Can parents or guardians access a student's service record?
- Linked parents can view their child's hour summaries but cannot edit or approve submissions. For school transcripts or school-specific credit, check directly with the school; chapter hour approval is separate.