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.

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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.