Economic Context

Easton Area Middle School, like many public schools, relies heavily on state funding, which is often constrained by budgetary pressures. These limitations can lead to challenges in providing extracurricular activities and opportunities that foster career readiness and college aspirations. Lafayette College alumni Thomas R. and Sharon Smith’s financial gift supports operational costs including transportation, field trips, and supplies essential to ensuring that students can participate in activities (Wilson 2021).

Beyond financial contributions, LafKid Connect thrives on the volunteer efforts of Lafayette students, whose time and expertise are critical to the program’s operation. As mentors, these college students provide personal connections and relatable role models for middle schoolers, embodying the program’s mission to inspire and empower. The economic context of their volunteerism is significant, as it represents an intangible yet critical resource. While volunteerism is invaluable, it raises the important question: what if the mentors were compensated for their contributions? Compensating mentors could not only acknowledge their efforts but also ensure the sustainability of such programs. 

Table 1 illustrates the potential costs associated with compensating mentors based on the Lafayette College base hourly wage rate of $ 8.25 for a 13-week semester. When considering all 15 students, the weekly total cost for the program is calculated to be $123.75 (15 students multiplied by $8.25). Over the course of 13 weeks in the semester, the total cost for the program amounts to $1,608.75, which is the minimum value of the program for one semester. This analysis shows the economic implications of volunteer-based programs and the importance of exploring sustainable funding models that balance community engagement with fair compensation. 

Table 1: The estimated compensation costs for Lafkid Connect mentors over a semester 

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