Promising Connection, (A): Increasing College Access and Success through Civic Engagement

This white paper provides compelling evidence that college students who participate in civic engagement and service-learning activities earn higher grade point averages and are more likely to complete their college degree. The paper finds that two- and four-year higher education institutions across the nation, as well as K-12 schools, are intentionally linking dimensions of civic engagement with learning to educate students for civic life. The result can be the strengthening of educational, economic, and social assets of colleges and communities alike. The paper also reports that civic engagement involving K-12 students can strengthen the pipeline to colleges and universities - helping to address issues of college access and student success in college. These outcomes are especially true for first-generation college attendees, students of color, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.