Paying it forward: The role of student philanthropy course activities on civic outcomes

Benenson & Moldow analyze the impact of "Pay It Forward" student philanthropy programs across 96 courses involving 1,628 students. They find that course structures incorporating active grant-making and decision-making significantly enhance students' confidence, civic awareness, and motivation to support community nonprofits. Their study effectively links specific curricular design elements with tangible civic outcomes, demonstrating how experiential learning in philanthropy fosters lasting pro-social behaviors and community engagement among students.