The most important factor in student participation appeared to be whether schools arranged or offered community service. Citing earlier research, the report stated that the effects of community service programs indicate that they can have measurable, positive results for high school students. For example, in a study of 10 programs, participating students were found to have experienced more psychological, social and intellectual growth than nonparticipating students. Another study reported that students who did volunteer work developed a more socially responsible perspective than students who did not. Among participating students, those in schools that required and arranged community service were more likely to have their community service experiences integrated into their school work than students in schools that only arranged service or did not promote it.
Families provide strong role models when it comes to community service.
Students in households where at least one adult was active in volunteer service were much more likely to participate themselves than were students in households lacking such role models. Students in private schools, especially church related schools, were more likely to be involved than students in other types of schools. Female students with good grades, who spoke English at home, were active in other types of activities, lived with educated parents, or with adults who were active in community service were more likely to be involved in community service.