The Scholar: Rinka Okuno ‘25 

The Project: Beyond the Campus: How Williston Drives Easthampton’s Economy 

What is your project about? 

The Essential Question: “In my project, I analyzed Williston’s economic impact on the Easthampton community by examining its direct, indirect, and induced effects. I explored how the school influences local businesses, employment, and overall economic activity. I also assessed the implications of a recent policy change allowing boarding students to use third-party delivery services, considering its effects on local restaurants and stores.“

Surprising Discovery: “I was surprised to discover just how much impact a single school can have on the surrounding community. Initially, I assumed that its influence was limited to local businesses, driven by student and faculty spending. However, through my project, I learned that schools contribute far more through things like donations that support community programs, tax revenue that funds public services, and employment opportunities.“

Biggest Challenge: “My biggest challenge was determining effective methods to measure the school’s impact. With limited research available on the economic impact of boarding schools, I had to explore alternative sources, such as research papers on colleges in the U.S. and Canada and news articles about nearby institutions. Deciding which methods from those studies were applicable to my case was hard. I had to really investigate each approach and check its relevance and adaptability to the boarding school context.“

Tip for future scholars: “I would say not to be afraid of seeking insights from different sources. At first, I was really scared to walk into restaurants in Easthampton to ask for their perspectives, but I was surprised by how welcoming and open they were in sharing their experiences. I wish I had reached out to more businesses to better understand Williston’s impact.“