Abstract:

University volunteering and service-learning have emerged as vital mechanisms for fostering civic engagement, social responsibility, and the development of transversal competencies in higher education. This study investigates the motivations, barriers, and engagement profiles of students participating in the ‘Gran Recapte’ solidarity campaign in Catalunya, Spain. This initiative was a collaborative effort between EAE Business School and the Foundation Banc dels Aliments.

Through a structured survey of 61 students, the research captures key variables including gender, participation intent, competency development, and emotional drivers. The methodological framework employs descriptive statistics and a quadrant-based motivational-emotional mapping to categorize distinct student engagement profiles.

The results highlight significant gender-based differences, indicating that female students often perceive higher educational value and demonstrate a stronger intention to participate. Furthermore, the quadrant analysis reveals that student engagement is non-homogeneous, shaped by varying levels of intrinsic motivation, emotional involvement, and perceived usefulness. Key identified barriers include time constraints and a lack of institutional recognition, yet the findings confirm the effectiveness of such initiatives in enhancing transversal skills like teamwork and social awareness.

These results advocate for the strategic integration of volunteering into academic curricula to strengthen university–society connections and promote active learning.

Keywords:

University volunteering, student motivation, transversal competencies, higher education, Gran Recapte.