Research on sense of belonging and volunteerism lands MSW student first place at state conference

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The concept of belonging is more than just a research topic for Matthea Mitchell - it's the driving force behind her education, her service, and her vision for rural community engagement.

Mitchell's research study, "Sense of Belonging and Volunteer Motivation Among College Students in Rural Areas," earned her first place at the National Association of Social Workers-PA Annual Conference this fall, where she presented her findings alongside all levels of college students from across the state.

"Engaging with other social workers, professionals, and students at all academic levels was truly empowering," said Mitchell, who's pursuing a master's in social work at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg. "It's significant to be recognized for research that holds both personal and professional significance to me."

With guidance from Dr. Shiloh Erdley, professor of social work, and Tammy Carson, MSW, director of social work practicum education, Mitchell's research explores how personal identity, sense of belonging, and contextual factors - such as political influences in rural communities - shape student motivations and barriers to volunteering.

"Our research looked at how a sense of belonging impacts whether students feel comfortable engaging with their communities," Mitchell explained. "If someone feels unsafe or unwelcome, they're less likely to volunteer or give back. Providing that sense of emotional safety and inclusion is crucial."

Mitchell's findings revealed that students - particularly those from marginalized backgrounds - often experience hesitation about volunteering when they feel disconnected from their community. Her goal is to utilize this research to encourage universities to establish stronger, more inclusive partnerships with their surrounding communities.

"Everyone deserves to feel like they belong," she said. "I hope this research inspires more community-based volunteer opportunities that make it easy and welcoming for students to get involved ... things like local resource fairs, community picnics, or agency scavenger hunts."

Presenting her research was a defining moment for Mitchell, both personally and professionally.

"I felt so honored and excited to share my work," she said. "My professors and peers at Bloomsburg really prepared me for this. The discussions we had leading up to the conference made me feel confident and proud to represent our program."

The conference brought together social work students and professionals at every academic level, creating an environment of collaboration and shared purpose.

"It was a privilege to present alongside so many passionate, driven social workers," Mitchell said. "I left feeling inspired and even more determined to continue this research."

Winning first place was an unexpected and emotional moment for Mitchell.

"I truly didn't expect to win," she admitted. "There were so many inspiring projects. To be recognized for research centered on belonging means everything to me. Hearing someone say, 'Thank you for making me feel included,' is what this work is all about."

Mitchell's connection to the region runs deep. She grew up in Mansfield, earned her bachelor's in psychology with a minor in biology from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, and currently works at Bucknell University in Lewisburg - all within the heart of central Pennsylvania.

"I've always felt drawn to this area ... its small towns, universities, and rural communities," she said. "That sense of connection guided my decision to stay in central Pennsylvania and attend Bloomsburg for my MSW."

Through her graduate assistantship and community engagement projects, Mitchell has worked closely with local nonprofits to increase volunteerism in rural communities. These hands-on experiences helped her apply classroom lessons to real-world service and deepen her understanding of the impact of social work.

Mitchell credits Bloomsburg's MSW program for helping her develop the confidence, critical thinking, and compassion that shaped her research.

"The social work program at Bloomsburg taught me what belonging feels like - how identities affect those feelings and how to create spaces where people feel seen and valued," she said. "As an Asian female living in rural areas, I'm passionate about helping others find that same sense of belonging."

Looking ahead, Mitchell plans to continue her study by collecting additional data and conducting focus groups to further explore barriers to volunteering in rural communities.

"This is an ongoing study," she said. "I want to keep exploring the motivations and challenges students face and use that knowledge to strengthen communities."

Even after graduation, Mitchell plans to remain closely connected to Bloomsburg through research collaborations, volunteering, and mentorship.

"Social work is about belonging, giving back, and helping others," she said. "This campus helped me grow so much, and I'll always stay connected to the professors, peers, and community members who supported me along the way."

She also encourages current students to take every opportunity to get involved - even when it feels daunting.

"Research and volunteering can be time-consuming, but they're so fulfilling," Mitchell said. "Ask questions, reach out to professors and peers, and believe in yourself. You can do anything."

Before concluding, Mitchell expressed gratitude for those who guided her through her Bloomsburg experience.

"I want to thank everyone in the social work program as well as my peers, family, friends, and mentors," she said. "Their support has meant everything."

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