Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examines the role of a nonprofit organization, Dreamfar High School Marathon, on students' educational experiences in six Massachusetts schools.The purpose of this study was to learn more about how nonprofit organizations can impact schooling experiences, what strategies they use and how students perceive these strategies.I surveyed 75 Dreamfar students and interviewed 8 Dreamfar staff and alumni to conduct this research.I found that due to Dreamfar's strategies of realistic-goal setting, mentor and coach support, and forming an integrated team, Dreamfar students perceived substantial social benefits in areas related to confidence, student-adult relationships and peer relationships, respectively.Academic benefits showed to be more indirect, but still present.Findings from this research indicate the positive role nonprofit organizations can have in schooling experiences even if they don't work directly in or during the school day.In addition, this research demonstrates that positive outcomes can occur when an organizations' goals align with members' perceptions.
Author: Courtney Chaloff
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1564760517