Incorporating Volunteer Work in FCS Higher Education to Promote Lifelong Community Service

To promote optimal quality of life in individuals, families, and communities, it is crucial to incorporate meaningful volunteer work into Family and Consumer Sciences courses in higher education. Data indicates that young adults aged 18‐24 have the second lowest formal volunteer rates in the United States, surpassed only by adults between the ages of 80‐84. Because research has shown that volunteering while in college increases the likelihood of volunteering after college, it is important that family and consumer science instructors understand what motivates students to volunteer. This paper explores methods for understanding and evaluating a student’s propensity for volunteering and examines strategies educators can use to facilitate sustained community engagement as students transition into their careers.