Civic Education in Multicultural Contexts: New Findings from a National Study

The authors examined how the performance of community service through the Jumpstart program contributed to the civic and multicultural education of college students nationwide during the 2003-04 academic year. In addition to mentoring at-risk preschool children on a weekly basis for an entire academic year, Jumpstart participants were required to attend regular training and planning meetings. At the conclusion of the year, they reported that they better understood the issues affecting their local communities and their roles as citizens. Their sense of self-efficacy and appreciation of diversity increased. Given the findings, the Jumpstart program is a viable model for civic engagement in educational settings. (Contains 1 figure.)