Will Baker, IMPACT Coalition, New York, NY

Will Baker, C.E.O.
Improving Mentor Practices and Communication Techniques
IMPACT Coalition
New York, New York

Will Baker uses the art of debate to turn at-risk students into articulate communicators, critical thinkers and engaged public citizens. In 1992, he created Improving Mentor Practices and Communications Techniques (IMPACT), an unusual mentoring organization that targets urban high schools and colleges, while offering such services as mentoring, leadership training, and debate instruction. IMPACT participants are linked to a network of professionals who assist them in securing employment and graduate school acceptances. In addition to changing lives, Baker has changed the system. When Baker helped create a New York Urban Debate League, only two, elite New York City public schools conducted student policy debates. Today, there are over 40 active debate programs. Many of them are from New York’s most depressed neighborhoods. IMPACT now reaches 1800 students in 45 high schools and 300 students in eight colleges.

Will Baker
IMPACT Coalition
330 West 42nd Street, Suite 2420
NewYork, New York 10036
Phone: 212-702-0944
Fax: 212-471-8664
Email: impactcoalition@cs.com
Web: www.impactcoalition.org