The Impact of Service-Learning at an HSI on Attitudes Toward Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

Background Service-learning is a powerful tool to promote attitudinal change; however, most findings center the experience of white, middle-class, continuing-generation students and do not reflect the shifting demographics of higher education. Little is known about the impact of service-learning at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) on attitudes toward others, and even less is known based on studies experimentally manipulating the presence of service-learning. Objective This study investigated how a service-learning project conducted at an HSI impacted changes in attitudes toward those experiencing homelessness. Method Sixty-three students taking Social Psychology either participated in a course with a service-learning project or one that did not. Attitudes related to those experiencing homelessness and the self were assessed over time. Results Students that participated in service-learning saw increased positive attitudes toward those experiencing homelessness over time compared to those that did not participate in service-learning. Conclusion Service-learning seems to have helped foster positive attitudes toward those experiencing homelessness for students at an HSI. Teaching Implications The current study hopes to encourage wider use and study of service-learning by highlighting positive impacts service-learning may have on students. Service-learning may have profound effects on students, and these effects need to be studied at a variety of institutions.