Impact Assessment of Student Volunteers on the Community Extension Services of the University amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Student volunteering as a form of community participation is essential for higher education's goal. Volunteering focuses on the service delivered, and the service user is the beneficiary. Youth that participates in community service have better outcomes. While the globe is grappling with a pandemic pushing people to keep their distance from one another, youth community service opportunities may seem different but are still a vital part of youth development. The university's community extension initiatives provide students with a learning experience through outreach activities. UCLM College of Hospitality and Tourism Management outreach program features the students' voluntary participation in the outreach program to conduct the community extension activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The outreach program supports the students' desire to participate in community outreach amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted to assess the impact of community extension services on student-volunteers and how this volunteerism can contribute to their professional development. The respondents of this study were the student-volunteers of the university on the community extension services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found out that the involvement of the student volunteers in various community extension activities has a great impact on their knowledge and skills. Moreover, the involvement of the student volunteers in the limited community extension activities has given them a chance to strengthen values and positive attitudes towards life, studies, family, community, and environment.