Paying It Forward: Does Teaching Philanthropy Change Behavior After Graduation?

This study evaluates the long-term impact of an undergraduate service-learning philanthropy course on alumni behavior. Comparing participants to non-participants, Green & Walkuski report sustained increases in philanthropic behavior, civic engagement, and giving consciousness among those who took the course. Their findings strongly suggest that experiential education, particularly through direct engagement in philanthropy, fosters lasting pro-social habits and a deeper commitment to community support well beyond graduation.