Impact of History Camp on Students' Political Perspectives and Openness

History Camp: Pre- Post Survey Analysis September, 2018

Agenda Objectives and Methodology Key Findings About the Campers Feelings toward different political persuasions Ratings of openness toward different viewpoints Post-survey findings

Objectives and Methodology Objectives Conduct a pre-post analysis of whether History Camp made an impact on students perceptions of their openness to different viewpoints, or their ability to converse with/be friends with people of different political persuasions. Understand the overall experience at History Camp, and with the debates in particular. Methodology A pre-survey was sent to all campers on the first day of camp, and a post-survey was sent on the last day of camp. The survey was sent using an anonymous link through our contact at History Camp. This analysis includes only those 82 students who responded to both the pre-and post-surveys, for the purpose of getting the truest possible comparison.

Agenda Objectives and Methodology Key Findings About the Campers Feelings toward different political persuasions Ratings of openness toward different viewpoints Post-survey findings

Key Findings Pre-Survey 80% of camper respondents reported not knowing any students at this camp prior to attending. In both the pre and post-survey, about 20% of respondents describe their political views as conservative, and about 36% describe their political views as liberal. Post-Survey 95% of camper respondents rated their overall experience at camp as excellent or good. 73% completely agreed that they developed strong friendships with other students at camp. Half completely agreed that they ll keep in touch with the friends they ve made. Almost 60% said that during the debates, they expressed all or most of their opinions, and 90% reported that the debates allowed them to develop their opinions to a large or moderate extent. After participating in the debates, 83% reported that they completely or mostly understood the beliefs of the opposing side. After participating in the debates, over 60% of respondents said they felt more comfortable with those who disagreed with them on certain issues. Between 75% and 80% of respondents agreed that case studies and field trips helped them become more open to viewpoints that contradict or threaten their own.

Key Findings Pre-Post Metrics Almost all metrics directionally improved from before camp to after camp, and several were statistically significant: Overall agreement with the idea that conservatives are generally good people (76% vs. 61% pre-survey). Ratings of my own ability to see the world from someone else s perspective as a major strength or somewhat strong (92% vs. 81% pre-survey). Complete agreement with the idea that liberals are generally good people (29% vs. 11% pre-survey). Complete agreement with the idea that liberals have valid viewpoints on social and political issues (38% vs. 20% pre-survey).

Summary of Pre/Post metrics Green text = significant difference between pre and post measures % Completely/Generally Agree Feelings on liberals and conservatives Liberals are generally good people Conservatives are generally good people Liberals have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues Conservatives have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues Pre- survey 65% Post- survey 75% Conversations/friendships with people with differing views Pre- survey Post- survey I enjoy having conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own 61% 76% 76% 87% 77% 83% I am good friends with someone who has very different social or political views than my own 64% 74% 75% 79% % A major Strength/Somewhat strong Myself Fellow Campers Openness/ability to see different viewpoints Pre-survey Post-survey Pre-survey Post-survey Openness to having my own views challenged Ability to see the world from someone else's perspective 65% 78% 43% 56% 81% 92% 54% 66% Ability to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own 76% 80% 64% 74% Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues Willingness to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own 79% 73% 67% 68% 72% 83% 64% 75%

Agenda Objectives and Methodology Key Findings About the Campers Feelings toward different political persuasions Ratings of openness toward different viewpoints Post-survey findings

72% of our camper respondents were female Are you...? 100% 90% 80% 72% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 25% 20% 10% 1% 1% 0% Male Female Another gender Prefer not to repsond 9

45% of respondents received free or reduced lunch at school Do you receive free or reduced-price lunch at school? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 45% 43% 40% 30% 20% 12% 10% 0% Yes No Prefer not to respond 10

Almost 20% of respondents were of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin Are you of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin? (Please select all that apply) 100% 90% 82% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 7% 10% 2% 1% 1% 0% No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin Yes, Cuban Yes, Mexican Yes, Puerto Rican Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin I do not wish to respond 11

Close to 20% of respondents were Asian and Black or African American What is your race? (Please select all that apply) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 57% 50% 40% 30% 19% 18% 20% 8% 10% 5% 4% 0% American Indian or Alaska Native Asian (including Indian subcontinent and Philippines origin) Black or African American (including African and Afro- Caribbean origin) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander White (including Middle Eastern origin) I do not wish to respond 12

Nearly 90% of respondents plan to attend a 4-year college after high school What are your plans after high school? 100% 89% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 0% 0% Attend a four- year university or college Attend a two-year college (not technical) Attend a technical college Join the military Go directly to work Take a year off, and then go to college I m not sure yet Other, please describe 13

1/3 of respondents are planning to major in history What are you planning to major in? Please select all that apply. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 33% 30% 23% 22% 20% 20% 18% 20% 10% 9% 9% 5% 5% 5% 10% 4% 0% 14

Almost 40% of respondents say they intend to focus on law in their future career In your future career, do you intend to focus on any of the following? (Please select all that apply) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 37% 30% 27% 30% 22% 22% 20% 13% 13% 10% 0% Law Public policy Politics Organizing Issue Advocacy None of these Not sure yet 15

Political views dont seem to have changed much as a result of camp In general, would you describe your political views as...? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% Pre-survey Post-survey 40% 27% 30% 25% 22% 21% 19% 18% 17% 17% 20% 12% 11% 10% 5% 2% 2% 1% 0% Very conservative Conservative Moderate Liberal Very liberal Not sure yet Prefer not to answer 16

However, slightly more respondents report being sure of their political views after camp than they were beforehand How certain are you about this political identity? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 55% 49% Pre-Survey 50% 46% Post-survey 39% 40% 30% 20% 10% 6% 5% 0% Very sure Somewhat sure Not sure 17

What do you hope to get out of camp this summer? I hope to dive further in American History. I also hope to improve my analytical and critical thinking skills. I hope to be able to further expand my skills. Through the program and its unique curriculum and hands on method of teaching I hope to learn different skills and techniques that I wouldn't learn in a normal classroom environment. I also hope to be able to develop a better appreciation for landmarks and historical sites. A better understanding about US History and a really good introduction/preparation to US HISTORY which I will be taking in the fall I hope to gain a better understanding of the events that occurred in United States History. As I will be taking AP United States History next year, I am looking to develop a background to be more successful in the class. Get a better/deeper understanding of US history, and prepare for APUSH I hope to get a more in depth look at our nation's history that is simply not provided in school. Also to get an amazing chance to see things that most kids aren't able to see. I hope to have a better understanding of U.S. History, as well as be prepared for my next AP History high school classes. I hope to see some amazing historical buildings and have fun. Historical trips A holistic, immersive, historical experience unique in content and actual, physical activities. I hope to do things at this camp that wouldn t be offered elsewhere. I hope to gain new knowledge that I would ve never received otherwise. Opportunity to see unique historical sites/experience history in a new way What I hope to get, out of this summer, is to learn all that I can and understand as much about history as possible. Also I would like to be able to get some long lasting personal connections with my classmates and camp mates. I hope to get a fun learning experience with my time in the National History Academy. I hope to have learned a lot and have a wider range of knowledge in American history. New friends and more in depth look at what I have studied in APUSH. An advanced understanding of American history and civics, as well as new friends! Have fun and make new friends 18

20% of camper respondents reported knowing other students at the camp prior to attending Did you know any of the students at this camp prior to attending? 100% 90% 80% Pre-survey 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 20% 10% 0% Yes No 19

Agenda Objectives and Methodology Key Findings About the Campers Feelings toward different political persuasions Ratings of openness toward different viewpoints Post-survey findings

In the pre-survey, slightly more camper respondents had stronger positive feelings toward liberals than conservatives Please let us know how much you agree or disagree with the following statements. 100% Pre-survey 13% 18% 90% 20% 22% 4% 2% 80% 6% 4% 1% 16% 12% 70% 16% 60% Not sure 50% Completely disagree 55% Generally disagree 46% 40% 54% Generally agree 51% Completely agree 30% 20% 22% 10% 18% 11% 10% 0% Conservatives are generally good people Liberals are generally good people Conservatives have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues Liberals have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues 21

In the post-camp survey, more student respondents agreed that liberals were generally good people than in the pre-survey Liberals are generally good people 100% 90% 22% 22% 80% 2% 12% 70% 60% 46% 50% 40% 54% 30% 20% 29% 10% 11% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey Completely agree Generally agree Generally disagree Completely disagree Not sure 22

In the post-camp survey, more student respondents agreed that conservatives were generally good people than in the pre-survey Conservatives are generally good people 100% 16% 90% 20% 80% 9% 70% 16% 60% 49% 50% 40% 51% 30% 20% 27% 10% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey Completely agree Generally agree Generally disagree Completely disagree Not sure 23

In the post survey, more respondents agree that liberals have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues than in the pre-survey Liberals have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues 100% 9% 13% 90% 6% 80% 6% 70% 45% 60% 50% 55% 40% 30% 20% 38% 22% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey Completely agree Generally agree Generally disagree Completely disagree Not sure 24

In the post survey, more respondents agree that conservatives have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues than in the pre-survey Conservatives have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues 100% 10% 18% 90% 15% 80% 16% 70% 60% 46% 50% 46% 40% 30% 20% 28% 10% 18% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey Completely agree Generally agree Generally disagree Completely disagree Not sure 25

Please tell us more about these views (Pre-survey) Just because people have different political views, it doesn t mean they re bad people I think weather [sic] someone is more liberal or more conservative does not make them a bad person. It just means they have different views and beliefs. I think the a bad person is a person who doesn t respect someone based on what they believe. Looking at my beliefs and views on politics and morals, I generally lean more toward the liberal side on most issues, with a few exceptions. Most of my friends also share these beliefs. My parents, however, are conservative, and they are good people, so I try not to assume that conservatives are bad people. I don't really have an issue with either point of view unless they are trying to force others into their beliefs or have racist, sexist or homophobic beliefs. Most people, no matter their political affiliation, are generally good people. I believe that both liberals and conservatives have valid viewpoints on important social and political issues, however, I tend to lean left. I lean [liberal/conservative], but also support some ideas from the other party I mainly agree with most liberal views such on major topics like abortion but I also agree with some points that conservatives point out with economic issues I consider myself fairly liberal because I believe that when sticking with older, traditional ways of thinking, a society will not progress and instead become stagnant. Though I have these views, sometimes I agree with a few conservative ideals; for an example, despite believing that it shouldn t be so easy to access guns and that there definitely should be stricter gun laws, I also think that responsible citizens have a right to arm themselves in their own home. I don t really know enough to have an informed opinion Because I am not sure about the difference between liberals and conservatives, I won't be able to answer properly. My views will change as I get to know more about conservatives and liberals. I am not informed enough to make proper decisions on politics but I do believe in a more conservative view on money and a more liberal view of social happenings. 26

Please tell us more about these views (Pre-survey) Thoughts on liberals from conservatives My view of liberals is that often times they re not completely aware of the impact and full extent of the effects of their views. Generally it more of a group mentality and if they aren t completely aware then they re under the belief the are in a more morally just situation. Liberals generally rely on emotions and feelings, while conservatives generally rely on facts and statistics. I m considered a conservative myself, however I do think some of the Liberal opinions have some merit. That being said, I think their thoughts and ideology are highly flawed, and at times really messed up. I feel like Democrats can be good if they are given the choice to be good. What I m trying to say is, that the liberal side has been corrupted to a point where it s become a hive mind. No one can have an opinion the higher ups don t want. It s upsetting to me, I do like their ideal way of thinking, but they completely disregard any solution for violence when it is necessary. It makes us look like weak fools lost in a non- existent utopia we created in our minds. War is never the first answer but it is still a possible answer when times are desperate. Thoughts on conservatives from liberals My views relate more towards liberal viewpoints. Liberals are more outgoing and accepting of others, which I agree with. However, conservatives have a traditional point of view on most topics, which can be wrong and outdated. Gay marriage, for example, I believe that liberals are those who are looking toward the exciting changes that are being pushed for in the status quo. They are those who look toward making a difference. While on the other hand conservatives look toward keeping the status quo where it rest and tend to be more religiously affiliated. I am more of a liberal person, and I believe most of my views are based on human ethics and morals. Though definitely not all conservatives are bad people, I wish for both sides to broaden their horizons. 27

Agenda Objectives and Methodology Key Findings About the Campers Feelings toward different political persuasions Ratings of openness toward different viewpoints Post-survey findings

2/3 or more campers would rate themselves as strong across dimensions measuring their openness to other viewpoints Next, please let us know how you would rate yourself in the following areas. 100% 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 5% 7% 5% 90% 18% 18% 16% 20% 80% 29% 70% 60% 25% 43% 48% 40% 50% A major weakness 42% Somewhat weak 40% Average 30% Somewhat strong 47% A major strength 20% 36% 36% 33% 23% 10% 0% Openness to having my own views challenged. Ability to see the world from someone else s perspective Ability to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues Willingness to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own 29

In the pre-survey, camper respondents rate themselves substantially higher than their peers on openness to having their views challenged and ability to see the world from someone else s perspective % A major Strength/Somewhat strong 100% Pre-Survey 90% 81% 79% 80% 76% 75% 73% 72% 71% 70% 65% 59% 60% 49% 50% 40% Rate yourself Rate your fellow campers 30% 20% 10% 0% Openness to having my own views challenged. Ability to see the world from someone else s perspective Ability to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues Willingness to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own Not sures excluded from rate fellow campers (not sure wasn t an option for rate yourself) 30

In the post-survey, camper respondents still rate themselves as higher than their peers, but all ratings across both respondents themselves, and how they rate their peers, improved % A major Strength/Somewhat strong 100% Post- Survey 91% 90% 83% 80% 78% 80% 75% 73% 73% 68% 67% 70% 58% 60% 50% 40% Rate yourself Rate your fellow campers 30% 20% 10% 0% Openness to having my own views challenged. Ability to see the world from someone else s perspective Ability to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues Willingness to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own Not sures excluded from rate fellow campers (not sure wasn t an option for rate yourself) 31

Though all of the ratings on openness and ability to see the world in different ways improved, the gaps between how campers rate themselves and their peers actually slightly increased post-camp Pre-Survey Gap between me and my fellow campers Post-survey gap between me and my fellow campers Openness to having my own views challenged 16% 20% Ability to see the world from someone else s perspective 22% 24% Ability to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own 5% 7% Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues 4% 5% Willingness to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own -1% 8% 32

Respondents rated themselves more highly after camp on openness to having their views challenged Openness to having my own views challenged 100% 5% 5% 90% 17% 80% 29% 70% 60% 45% 50% 42% 40% 30% 20% 33% 23% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness 33

Respondents rated themselves more highly after camp on ability to see the world from someone else s perspective Ability to see the world from someone else s perspective 100% 0% 2% 6% 90% 18% 80% 70% 44% 60% 48% 50% 40% 30% 48% 20% 33% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness 34

Respondents rated themselves more highly after camp on ability to have conversations with people who have very different viewpoints from their own Ability to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views from my own 100% 1% 7% 90% 17% 16% 80% 70% 39% 60% 40% 50% 40% 30% 41% 20% 36% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness 35

After camp, respondents actually rated themselves slightly lower on ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues 100% 1% 1% 90% 18% 26% 80% 70% 60% 43% 44% 50% 40% 30% 20% 36% 29% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness 36

Respondents rated themselves more highly after camp on willingness to have conversations with people who have different views from their own Willingness to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own 100% 5% 5% 90% 11% 20% 80% 70% 37% 60% 25% 50% 40% 30% 47% 46% 20% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness 37

In the pre-survey, 2/3 or fewer of respondents rate their fellow campers as strong across dimensions of openness to different viewpoints How would you rate your fellow campers in the following areas? 100% 8% 10% 10% 12% 12% Pre-survey 1% 1% 90% 1% 0% 1% 1% 4% 1% 4% 10% 80% 18% 25% 19% 35% 70% 34% 60% Not sure 50% 29% 34% A major weakness 47% 40% Somewhat weak 34% Average 30% 30% Somewhat strong 20% A major strength 35% 30% 20% 20% 10% 13% 0% Openness to having their own views challenged Ability to see the world from someone else s perspective Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues Ability to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than their own Willingness to have conversations with people who have very different social or political views than their own 38

After camp, more respondents rated their fellow campers as strong in openness to having their views challenged Openness to having their own views challenged 100% 2% 12% 13% 90% 10% 80% 28% 70% 60% 34% 50% 40% 35% 30% 30% 20% 21% 10% 13% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness Not sure 39

After camp, more respondents rated their fellow campers as strong in ability to see the world from someone else s perspective Ability to see the world from someone else s perspective 100% 1% 8% 1% 90% 13% 80% 16% 35% 70% 60% 50% 51% 40% 34% 30% 20% 10% 20% 15% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness Not sure 40

After camp, more respondents rated their fellow campers as strong in ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues Ability to discuss and negotiate controversial issues 100% 0% 5% 10% 90% 4% 24% 80% 18% 70% 60% 50% 38% 47% 40% 30% 20% 30% 10% 20% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness Not sure 41

After camp, more respondents rated their fellow campers as strong in their ability to have conversations with people that have very different political or social views Ability to have conversations with people that have very different political or social views than my own 100% 0% 4% 10% 90% 0% 22% 80% 25% 70% 60% 50% 48% 34% 40% 30% 20% 30% 26% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness Not sure 42

After camp, more respondents rated their fellow campers as strong in willingness to have conversations with people that have different political or social views Willingness to have conversations with people that have very different political or social views than my own 100% 1% 9% 12% 90% 4% 16% 80% 19% 70% 60% 37% 50% 29% 40% 30% 20% 38% 35% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey A major strength Somewhat strong Average Somewhat weak A major weakness Not sure 43

In the pre-survey 29% of respondents completely agree that they enjoy having conversations with people who have different viewpoints, and almost half completely agree that they are good friends with someone who has differing viewpoints Please let us know how much you agree or disagree with the following statements. 100% 6% 8% Pre-survey 2% 90% 8% 13% 80% 11% 70% 29% 60% Not sure 47% Completely disagree 50% Generally disagree 40% Generally agree Completely agree 30% 46% 20% 29% 10% 0% enjoy having conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own am good friends with someone who has very different social or political views than my own 44

After camp, more students reported that they enjoy having conversations with people who have differing views from their own I enjoy having conversations with people who have very different social or political views than my own 100% 4% 8% 2% 2% 7% 90% 13% 80% 70% 60% 59% 47% 50% 40% 30% 20% 29% 28% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey Completely agree Generally agree Generally disagree Completely disagree Not sure 45

After camp, slightly more students reported that they are good friends with someone who has very different views from their own I am good friends with someone who has very different social or political views than my own 100% 6% 6% 5% 90% 8% 10% 11% 80% 70% 30% 29% 60% 50% 40% 30% 49% 46% 20% 10% 0% Pre-survey Post-survey Completely agree Generally agree Generally disagree Completely disagree Not sure 46

Agenda Objectives and Methodology Key Findings About the Campers Feelings toward different political persuasions Ratings of openness toward different viewpoints Post-survey findings

66% of camper respondents rated their overall experience as excellent, and another 29% rated it as good Overall, how would you rate your history camp experience? 100% 90% 80% 70% 66% 60% 50% 40% 29% 30% 20% 10% 5% 0% 0% Excellent Good Fair Poor 48

What was the most valuable aspect of this summer's experience? I was able to learn about the history of my country in a completely different way than usual. Instead of reading about certain historical events I was able to visit the places where said events took place. The most valuable aspect of this summer s experience was getting to see all the sites of our great Founding Fathers and learning they were humans who made mistakes too. being able to visit sites where not a lot of people can visit like James Monroes house or the White House. The most valuable aspect of this summer was learning history where it happened (during our excursions) Being in the room where it happened Making lifelong friends. Friends and sites Making new friendships with people who share common interests. Making great new friends The most valuable part of this camp was learning to collaborate with others and grasping the difference in perspective. Everyone in this camp participated with different insight on sites and speakers, and I am grateful to have made so many friends from learning about the history of this nation. The discussion with people from all sides of the political spectrum, and from across the globe The opportunity to develop a friendship with other teenagers from all over the US was the most valuable aspect of my experience this summer. I was exposed to new ideas and POVs that completely differ to those of the people around me back home. The other campers opened my mind to new ideas and viewpoints and I will look back fondly at the time we spent both hanging out and deep in debate. Being exposed to different people/viewpoints Learning about history in a new light and broadening my debate experiences. The most valuable aspect was the opportunity to explore new ideas, places, and methods of learning. Along with being able to interact with talented and amazing teachers and students. Learning about the case study method and being able to see and hear how teenager my age speak and act around each other and how their relationship changes over 5 weeks. How the first ones became, how they broke, and how new ones were formed and strengthened. Being exposed to different ways of learning 49

If you could change anything about the summer, what would it be? More time allotted for historic sites, especially museums I would give a little more break, and more time at site visits I would definitely have better communication and organization. I also felt that we didn t get free time to explore aspects of the sites that we went to. I would like to have more time at certain sites such as the Newsuem and the Smithsonians. We really didn t get enough time there, and I really wish we did as those were some of my favorite places we went to. More time during visits to some of the sites especially the Smithsonian museums since they are so large. More down-time/Better scheduling in general I wish that it could have been more equally spaced out scheduling wise. Some weeks were packed while others were not. Having more free time/independence to spend time alone or hang out with other people Our schedule is created around mealtimes. We are sometimes in a hurry. I would advise changing the meal times. The time issue. Either we don't have enough time or we have too much. Make the camp longer I wish we had more time to spend together. I've grown extremely attached to everyone at this camp and I'm sad to leave Make the program longer to allow for more time to do ALL of the case studies and maybe visit more places (Like Philadelphia maybe). I wouldn't change anything much except to make the camp longer if that's possible. Make the program longer than 5 weeks. 50