Journal of Education & Social Policy

Examining Civic Engagement and Volunteering Outcomes of Democracy’s Colleges
Carol Cutler White, Stephanie B. King

Abstract
Community colleges educate nearly 40% of all undergraduates, many of whom are likely to be first-generation, minority, and low-income, demographics associated with lower civic participation. This study examined the relationship among community college attendance, credential attainment, employment outcomes, and civic engagement and volunteering. This correlational study examined 36,842 responses to the Civic Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Supplement of the 2021 Current Population Survey (CPS) using Principal Component Analysis as well as Multiple Linear Regression. Findings revealed five principal components and statistically significant relationships between some college, 2-year degree completion, and 4-year degree completion. The general trend was that higher educational attainment correlated with higher scores in most components, with some college and 2-year degree completion yielding a stair step effect of increasing volunteering. In addition, participants in service-oriented jobs had higher levels of civic engagement on certain components. Results highlight the important role community colleges play in increasing civic engagement.

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