First Name:
Lauren
Last Name:
Large
Major Department:
Psychology
Thesis Director:
Norman Clark
Date of Thesis:
May 2011
University civic engagement offices tend to rely on anecdotal effects of its programs; however, research is essential to assess the impacts of these programs. This paper examined the short term and long term benefits of community service, service-learning, and service-based trips. In collaboration with a university civic engagement office, this research involved an online survey combined with focus groups and interviews of students who participated in an alternative spring break (ASB) trip two or more years ago to determine if there is a positive correlation between ASB trips and positive, long term student outcomes. The findings suggested ways for the collaborating civic engagement office to improve its ASB program.