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SUMMARY
With over one-half of all college students volunteering for community service activities and increasing numbers of colleges and universities moving towards a greater infusion of service-related learning experiences into the curriculum, it is important to understand the impact volunteerism has on those who serve. This paper presents the results of a qualitative study of the meaning and impact of volun-teerism as described by experienced college student volunteers in a Head Start-based Family Literacy Project. Volunteers reported benefits in the areas of self-knowledge, academics, and social awareness. Positive outcomes in the areas of personal growth, self-esteem, and personal efficacy were noted. Service and traditional academics were viewed as mutually enhancing learning strategies; volunteering gave coursework more meaning and what was learned in the classroom increased the volunteers' effectiveness in the community. Increased awareness of important social issues, greater appreciation for diversity, and decreased negative stereotypes were attributed to the volunteer experience. Volunteers also expressed a strong commitment to engaging in some type of community service in the future. Implications for future research are discussed.