The University of North Dakota led all Division I institutions in the 2021-22 NCAA Team Works Community Service Competition, with all Division I, II and III schools participating.

North Dakota earned the award in the Division I category. Fighting Hawk student-athletes amassed 2,051 total hours of community service throughout the duration of the competition with an economic impact totaling $61,703. During the competition, 99% of all Fighting Hawk student-athletes participated in at least one service opportunity, with the student-athletes sharing their time and talents by participating in youth athletics clinics, hosting the Halloween bash, supporting Special Olympics and mentoring youth. In total, North Dakota student-athletes participated in 67 events and supported more than 15 local organizations.

The NCAA Team Works Service Challenge was created by NCAA Team Works and Helper Helper to recognize student-athletes who give back to their communities. NCAA Team Works coordinates community service efforts at NCAA championships, while Helper Helper is a volunteer management and tracking platform used by many NCAA institutions.

The final standings of the competition, which ran from September through November, is based on the number of service hours completed and the number of participating student-athletes. Helper Helper tracks the school participation throughout the competition.

"What an amazing accomplishment by our student-athletes, staff and coaches," Athletic Director Bill Chaves said. "I can guarantee you that they were not interested in winning an award – we are grateful – but rather continue the amazing tradition of giving back to our community in meaningful ways. The Grand Forks community and state of North Dakota is so special, and the support that they provide us is immeasurable, so us, making sure that we make a difference in serving our community annually is natural. Community service has been a staple for many, many years in this athletic department, and we need to thank everyone that has come before us, as they are no doubt a part of this recognition."

Women's basketball player Claire Orth, who is also a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee executive board member, expressed her joy in community service work done by the student-athletes. "The support we student-athletes receive from the community is second to none, so to be able to give just a fraction back to the community has been so meaningful," said Orth. "Our athletic department prides itself in being a culture of service, so we are very proud to be recognized for this accomplishment."