In keeping with an organization-wide assessment and evaluation effort, PBHA piloted a Student Experience Survey in April 2008. The survey was sent to individuals volunteering in PBHA’s term-time programs. The following data is based on the 252 student responses to the pilot survey. 

Donwload a summary of these results here: student-experience-2008

50% reported their volunteer work influenced their career choices. 

When I first started volunteering, I didn’t expect my volunteer work to influence my academic or professional work, but I have found that I am increasingly open to social/public service work or courses.

 - Refugee Youth Term Enrichment Volunteer ’09

I no longer want to do something glamorous, but something that makes a positive different in the world – something that really helps people.

- PBHA’s Elderly Affairs Volunteer ’09

83% reported that their volunteer work increased their commitment to public service and volunteer work. 

My volunteer work is by far the most valuable experience at school so far. I learned two new things about service throug my experiences this year – first, that meeting and serving individuals behind the issue is critical to understanding how (and why) to address a problem; second, that even if there’s very little you can do to tangible improve someone’s situation, your involvement is critically important because it shows that someone wants to help them and believes that there is hope for them.

– PBHA’s Harvard Emerging Literacy Program Volunteer ’11

89% said their volunteer work helped them feel like they made a positive impact. 

I have gotten so much out of AHEAD beacuse I feel like I’ve been actually making a difference in the kids’ lives and I’ve been able to develop relationships with them, which is definitely the most meaningful part of it for me.

-PBHA’s Aiming for Higher Emerson Academic Development (AHEAD) Volunteer ’11

The more I help other people feel like I have something that can reall aid someone, the more I feel in control of my own life. 

- PBHA’s Kids with Special Needs Achievement Program Volunteer ’08

89%  said their volunteer work increased their knowledge about the issue or community served by their program 

My ASB trip had a tremendous impact on my life. Me eyes were opened to racial injustices in this world that I did not realize, or perhaps did not want to realize, still existed. Beyond racial injustices, I also came to understand social and financial injustices that exist in this world. Most of all, though, I learned so much from all the people I was with. I learned about the diversity of world and social perspectives and saw my own perspectives change as a result. There are tremendous injustices that need to be addressed!

– PBHA’s Alternative Spring Break(ASB)  Volunteer ’11

Tags: Programs, student development, volunteer opportunities
Posted in Did you know?, student development