path going up a mountain

Results

Does Our Training Work?

When we fielded our training programs, we wanted to know whether their actually changed people's lives? If not, why offer them? To this end, we collected data--both with words and numbers--about the impact of the training. We found it to be far more effective than we had thought possible. This information motivates us to continually offer more training.

How Are We Doing?

In addition to assessing the impact of our training, we measure how many people we reach.

Because we have training programs of different lengths, we count the number of person-hours trained rather than the number of people.

Each year, more and more people are learning purpose from our lab.

“Transformative.” ~ Emily

Bar Graph of Training Hours. In 2020 there was 218 hours 2021 574 hours 2022 900 and 2023 there were 1416 hours trained

Testimonials

Riley

“When I first entered college, I felt like a kid facing a daunting decision: choosing a major and mapping out a singular path for my future. Being so young and inexperienced, this process often left me feeling confined and unsure about my choices. This class opened my eyes to the fact that we are never limited to just one path in life. The Life Purposes Lab encouraged us to take actionable steps towards living a more purposeful life. It wasn't just about contemplating our dreams; we were empowered to turn those dreams into reality, living everyday more purposefully.” Riley

“If you are curious about further understanding yourself, empathizing with others, and establishing your legacy, then the Life Purpose Lab is the place for you. This supportive team encourages you to think, collaborate, and reproduce material outside of your comfort zone. Thus far, I have learned from my peers, forged lasting relationships, and reflected on my personal and academic interests in unimaginable ways. Whether you are hesitant or excited to break new ground, this space is inviting for all who visit." Keshav

Keshav
Irene

“Applying to work with the Life Purpose Lab was one of the best decisions that I made as a student at UConn. Working with Dr. Wright and the team helped me learn so much about myself and my priorities, and going forward I feel very well equipped to navigate the world around me with clarity of purpose. I am so grateful to have had this experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.” Irene

“For me, life’s purpose was traditionally thought of as this holy grail of fulfillment, exclusively achievable at some point deep into my life. Dr. Wright’s work on purpose helped me make this abstract idea concrete, and provided me with actionable information. I’ve come to understand what purpose is, where I find it in my life, and how I can obtain more of it. His work has proved to be a foundational pillar upon which I have decided to shape my life around moving forward.” Brady

Brady
Bar Graph of Training Hours. In 2020 there was 218 hours 2021 574 hours 2022 900 and 2023 there were 1416 hours trained

Before & After Training Survey

In the 2022-23 school year, we trained 103 people

To measure the impact of our training, we surveyed participants before and after the program

The results were dramatic.

We asked...

Have You Discovered a Satisfying Life Purpose?

6 months after training the line graph shows they still understand their purpose, are happy and are satisfied with their life.

Long Term Impact?

Six months after, at the end of May, we re-interviewed the fall participants.

We wanted to know if the training had a long-term impact.

It did!