AUSTIN, Texas — A new research study from The University of Texas at Austin reveals the positive impact, both economically and in skill development, of our students’ involvement through volunteerism and participation in student organizations.
The Division of Student Affairs and the University’s Bureau of Business Research at the IC² Institute partnered on the study. The results confirm students deepen their overall learning experience when they participate in activities outside of their class schedule.
Key findings from UT students include the following:
- Students spend almost 5.2 million estimated annual hours volunteering in the local community, with an estimated annual local economic impact of nearly $102 million.
- 64% of students have volunteered while at UT. An individual student spends an average of 160 hours a year volunteering.
- 77% of students have participated in University student organizations.
- 96% of those students say that their participation positively impacted their student experience.
- 93% of those students say their participation positively impacted their preparation for life after graduation.
“Our students are an economic driving force. Volunteering, being a member of a student organization, playing on an intramural team — these transformative experiences help produce citizens to lead the next generation,” said John Dalton, vice president for student affairs.
The findings corroborate that UT student involvement is helping students develop skills that employers want and contribute to a meaningful life. Below are the percentages of students who say their participation in University student organizations has positively impacted their development of:
- Teamwork: 91%
- Communication: 90%
- Leadership: 87%
- Career and self-development: 85%
- Professionalism: 84%
- Critical thinking: 80%
- Technology: 58%
“For most students, the ultimate goal is a rewarding job or admission to a prestigious graduate program. What sets us apart is our one-of-a-kind Longhorn experience with vibrant opportunities. This study proves that volunteering and participating in student organizations benefits our community and equips us with the skills to change the world,” said Hudson Thomas, Student Government president and a Plan II Honors senior from Dallas.
For nearly 100 years, the Bureau of Business Research at the IC² Institute has delivered powerful nonpartisan, critical analysis of social and economic trends, and economic impact studies. The team created a mixed-method methodology for the study.
“This project was exciting because, although we instinctively understood the contribution of UT Austin students to the local community, we weren’t aware that their impact had ever been measured. The findings demonstrate that their contributions extend beyond Austin; the students are developing lifelong skills they will use living and working all over the world,” noted Matt Kammer-Kerwick, director of the Bureau of Business Research.
For more information on the findings, read the full Bureau of Business Research report and the 2024-2025 Division of Student Affairs Annual Impact Report, “Beyond the Classroom: The Power of Student Involvement.”
