Service Helix: A Grounded Theory of College Student Development and Outcomes Through Involvement In Community Service

This study was designed to understand students' experiences with community
service, what they see as outcomes from their involvement, and the role of
responsibility in this dynamic. Community service and service-learning have
been lauded as ways of teaching civic and social responsibility during college but
better understanding of the concept of social and civic responsibility are needed.
The intent was to explore the outcomes of service.
Results suggested that there is a developmental model for college students who
participate in community service. It is a service helix that was comprised of key
categories of background, catalysts, service, personalization and responsibility,
and outcomes. Students cycle through the service helix, which illustrates the
development and growth while the rate of growth, varies.