Examining the Role of Cultural Centers in Improving College Student Outcomes

Analyzing data from a large-scale, multi-institutional data set, this study investigates how participation in cultural center activities enhances student outcomes (i.e. sense of belonging; academic, personal, and vocational gains; and reflective and integrative learning) across different gender, sexual, and racial identities. Findings indicate benefits both for privileged and minoritized student groups, underscoring the importance of cultural centers in higher education. Results also reveal notable disparities in cultural center involvement based on institutional types.