Welcome, and thank you for your interest in Playing It Forward! This Ph.D. research study explores how sports and volunteerism work together to shape the growth, leadership, and community engagement of student-athletes across Massachusetts. Whether you’re a student-athlete, parent, coach, or educator, your participation and support help ensure that youth voices are represented in this important work.
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Research Study on Student-Athletes & Volunteerism
Research Study on Student-Athletes & Volunteerism
Playing It Forward examines how athletic and service experiences intersect to support positive youth development and leadership. The study aims to understand how schools, colleges, and communities can better nurture these strengths in student-athletes.
To learn more about the researcher behind this study, visit the About the Researcher page.
Purpose of the Study
Purpose of the Study
The goal of this study is to better understand:
How student-athletes experience volunteering and service.
What skills and strengths develop through sports and community engagement.
How schools, colleges, and communities can better support youth leadership and growth.
Who We Are Hoping to Hear From
Who We Are Hoping to Hear From
This study aims to include approximately 150 high school and 150 college student-athletes across Massachusetts to complete the survey, and 10 high school and 10 college students to interview about their experiences. Gathering insights from a wide range of schools, sports, and experiences will help ensure that the findings reflect the diverse voices of student-athletes throughout the state.
Your voice matters!
How You Can Participate
How You Can Participate
Option 1: Survey
Option 1: Survey
We are currently looking for 150 high school and 150 college student-athletes across Massachusetts to complete the survey.
10–12 minutes
Anonymous & voluntary
Open to student-athletes in Massachusetts (ages 15–24, currently enrolled in HS, college, or graduate programs)
Option 2: One on One Interview - (Optional)
Option 2: One on One Interview - (Optional)
30–45 minutes one-on-one interview (via Zoom)
Voluntary & confidential
Requires signed consent (and parent/guardian consent if under 18)
Participants entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card per age group (High School & College)
Participation in the interview is optional and separate from the anonymous survey. Survey responses are not linked to interview participation.
Interested in participating in an interview?
Interested in participating in an interview?
Participants age 18 and older may schedule an interview directly .
Participants ages 15–17 who are interested in an interview will be asked to provide a parent or guardian’s contact information. A parent or guardian will be contacted directly with additional information and consent materials before any interview is scheduled.
Help Spread the Word
Help Spread the Word
Coaches, parents, and community partners are encouraged to share this page with student-athletes who may be interested in participating. Your support helps ensure that diverse voices from across Massachusetts are represented in this study.
Participation Details
Participation Details
Voluntary: You may stop at any time.
Risks: Minimal, no greater than daily life.
Benefits: While there is no direct benefit, your perspective may help schools and communities better support student-athletes.
Contact
Contact
If you have questions, please contact:
Idaliana Medina
Ph.D. Candidate, Community Engagement | Point Park University
imedin@pointpark.edu
For questions about your rights as a research participant, contact the Point Park University Institutional Review Board at irb@pointpark.edu.
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