Andres Rivera
Managing Editor

Recent findings in a report following the trends in volunteerism among college students shows an increase of about 20 percent from the years 2002 to 2005 and attributes the increase in volunteerism to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The study by the Corporation for National and Community Service titled “College Students Helping America” analyzed data from the Current Population Survey where 60,000 households were surveyed.

One of the report findings showed college-aged volunteers (16-24) have surpassed general adult volunteers. Though there has been an increase number in college students, the report also found college students volunteer less amount of time compared to the other general adult population.

The report provides insight in the rise of volunteers in the college level by stating, “Given the vast majority of current college student volunteers were of high school age when the terrorist attacks occurred in 2001, we highlight the evidence of an emerging ‘9/11 Generation.’”

The analysis of the data suggests the terrorist attacks play a role in the increase of volunteers, but some are not sure that is the case.

Representatives from the Pomona College Volunteer Center do not believe the attacks are the sole influencing factor. According to the Volunteer Center, 70 percent of the Pomona College students participate in volunteer work even though it is not a graduation requirement. This steady amount of students has not been affected by the terrorist attacks.

While some college students volunteer on their own, there are some schools, like the University of La Verne, that require students to do some type of service learning.

Mike Moungian, a senior business administration major, volunteered for the Claremont After School Tutoring Program to satisfy the graduation requirement for ULV.

Moungian spent his time working with elementary students at the Claremont Village Apartments.

“I chose CLASP because I wanted to work in and close to campus,” Moungian said.

During his time volunteering at CLASP, Moungian has found a deeper meaning in providing community service other than gaining college credit.

“I think students are in an awkward time of their lives where they are concerned are of self interests," Moungian said. "This experience helped me see other people in the world that don’t have all the luxuries that we have. It’s our obligation, as citizens, to help."