University of Richmond students apply statistics training to serving local nonprofits
February 8, 2008
University of Richmond students are learning business statistics by helping local nonprofit agencies mine data about volunteers, fundraising and services.
The information discovered and interpreted helps the nonprofits improve operations, while the students get real world experience to illustrate the theories they learn in class.
The university's Bonner Center for Civic Engagement works with business statistics professor Andy Litteral to identify area agencies who can use the assistance of the student statisticians.
During the first several weeks of Litteral's course, each group of six or seven students meets with the staff of its assigned nonprofit to learn about the group, then provide statistical analyses.
Litteral says the work provides an enhanced academic experience for his students.
"It gives them a chance to do well in a group project and be successful in the course," he says. "Not all students do well on tests."
Most assignments require deep data analysis, interpretation of results and making recommendations based on the data.
"They are providing real information of value to these organizations," Litteral says.
Last semester, one group of students worked with Henrico County's Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to develop the basis for a five-year strategic plan. The group analyzed data collected from 2002-07 about grants, volunteers, children served and open cases in the county, state and the country.
A different student group helped the Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) create a more user-friendly Web site for online donations and volunteer sign-up by interpreting the results of a June 2007 survey.
But students learn more than just business statistics while working on these projects, Litteral says.
"They are required to write reports and make class presentations," he says. "And, they learn group dynamics, which is important at every level of business."
During the spring semester, students are working for the Hispanic Liaison Office, the Richmond Health District and Meals on Wheels.