I Signed Up to Serve for a YEAR?! Using Path-Goal Theory to Support Civic Engagement and Success

Lead Author Affiliation

Leadership and Innovation

Lead Author Status

Doctoral Student

Faculty Mentor Name

Marty Martinez, Anne Zeman

Abstract

Since 2022, thousands of full-time California college students apply to serve 450 hours in their college communities each spring. When the fall semester starts there is a collective "What did I get myself into?" feeling in the air and folks start dropping out, overwhelmed by commitment and expectations, sacrificing up to $10,000 of aid in the process.

Learn how one campus has utilized path-goal theory to create a system of peer support, milestone and community celebrations, and clear directives to promote a growing 94% retention rate and increased self-confidence in compassion, leadership skills, and active citizenship.

Comments

Additional Presentation Details: 

  1. Conference Name: Campus Compact 2026 "Hope Found Here: Advancing Civic and Community  Engagement through Compassion, Action & Unity"
    • Poster Presentation Name: I Signed Up to Serve for a YEAR?! Using Path-Goal Theory to Support Civic Engagement and Success (A Theory to Practice Study)
    • Workshop Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 
    • Location: Chicago, IL
  1. Conference Name: NASPA 2026 Annual Conference
    • Workshop Name: APIKC Scholars' Collective:  I Signed Up to Serve for a YEAR?! Using Path-Goal Theory to Support Civic Engagement and Success (A Theory to Practice Study)
    • Workshop Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
    • Location: Kansas City, MO

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I Signed Up to Serve for a YEAR?! Using Path-Goal Theory to Support Civic Engagement and Success

Since 2022, thousands of full-time California college students apply to serve 450 hours in their college communities each spring. When the fall semester starts there is a collective "What did I get myself into?" feeling in the air and folks start dropping out, overwhelmed by commitment and expectations, sacrificing up to $10,000 of aid in the process.

Learn how one campus has utilized path-goal theory to create a system of peer support, milestone and community celebrations, and clear directives to promote a growing 94% retention rate and increased self-confidence in compassion, leadership skills, and active citizenship.