| Richard Niemi
University of Rochester
The effects of community service and service learning on students' civic attitudes and knowledge
FINAL REPORT:
In response to what some see as a crisis in civic attitudes and participation, there has been a reinvigorated effort to involve high school students in school-based community activities and in less formal, volunteer community service. Yet little is known about rates ofparticipation or its effects. Using a 1996 study based on a nationally representative sample of 9th-12th graders, we document a high participation rate but also note that many students perform service only once or twice a year and in limited capacities. Participation rates are enhanced by certain student, family, and school characteristics; school policies are also significant, though arranging but not requiring participation may be the key. Participation appears to stimulate greater political knowledge, more political discussions with parents, enhanced participation skills, and higher political efficacy, but not more tolerance of diversity. Overall, the results offer limited support for those seeking to widen the scope of community service, and they open the door to more in-depth studies of both participation rates and effects.
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