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Does Student Philanthropy Work? A Study of Long-term Effects of the “Learning by Giving” Approach

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Abstract

Student philanthropy is a teaching strategy designed to engage students actively in the curriculum, increase awareness of social needs and nonprofit organizations, and teach grant-writing and grant-making skills. This is the first study to examine long-term effects of student philanthropy by surveying alumni years after their experience with this teaching strategy. A majority of respondents indicated that student philanthropy had a positive effect on their awareness, learning, beliefs, and intentions. Further, 86% of student philanthropy alumni had recently made charitable contributions, 71% reported volunteering, and 15% served on nonprofit boards – all of which are much higher than the national averages for these behaviors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northern Kentucky University, 424E Founders Hall, Highland Heights, KY, 41099, USA

    Julie Cencula Olberding

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  1. Julie Cencula Olberding
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Correspondence to Julie Cencula Olberding.

Appendix A—Survey Instrument

Appendix A—Survey Instrument

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Olberding, J.C. Does Student Philanthropy Work? A Study of Long-term Effects of the “Learning by Giving” Approach. Innov High Educ 37, 71–87 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-011-9189-5

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