A New Generation of College Student Activists: Turning to Activism in a Time of Trump

• In Event: Youth Organizing During Uncertain Times

Abstract

Despite the recent attention student activists have received, no systematic studies have been conducted to examine who the current college-aged student activists are, the factors that have propelled them to action, or the factors that sustain them in this emotionally difficult and risky work. This paper addresses that gap in the literature, drawing on survey data from more than 300 college student activists from every state and in-depth interviews with 40 respondents, conducted as part of a participatory action research (PAR) project with a team of student activist researchers. The paper presents a portrait of today’s college student activists, theorizes their turn towards activism, and explores the factors that shape their sociopolitical development and enable them to continue their activism.

Authors

• Jerusha Osberg Conner, Villanova University

• Emily Crawford, Villanova University

• Mary Kathleen Smith

• Courtney Morrissette

• Hwa Pyung Pyung Yoo, Villanova University

• Madiah Gant

• Makenna Kariuki