The Impact of Cultural Centers on Civic Engagement Outcomes in Higher Education

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Creating Equitable Systems and Spaces in Higher Education to Support Low-Income Students (Table 28)

Abstract

We explore the relationship between cultural center involvement and college students’ civic engagement outcomes. We utilize data from a large-scale, multi-institutional data set to run a series of regression analyses. Findings indicate that participating in the activities of a cultural center positively relates to higher levels of civic engagement skills and abilities as well as actual civic engagement. We also used effect coding in our models to explore sub-group differences within gender, sexual, and racial identity categories. Our results indicate some disparities among students prior to considering their cultural center involvement. These findings present a significant counter to the widespread attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, evidencing the continued relevance and positive influence of cultural centers on all students.

Authors

• Olivia Marie Copeland, Indiana University

• Steven Feldman, Indiana University

• Allison BrckaLorenz, Indiana University