School-Community Group Model: Collaborating for the Empowerment of Adolescent African American Male Students

ABSTRACT

This article presents a conceptual School-Community Group Model for working with African American adolescents. The model stems from a group conducted with urban, male, African American, adolescents co-facilitated by a White female school counselor and an African American male community leader. The article describes the theoretical underpinnings for this approach, reviews the school-community collaboration literature, and the necessity of co-facilitation relationships grounded in trust and respect. A case example outlining group structure, session interventions, and the therapeutic benefits gained through effective co-facilitation across race and gender are discussed. Model limitations are identified, followed by provided practice, training, and research implications.

KEYWORDS:

• Black or African American males
• group counseling
• school community collaboration
• academic and social development
• race and racism

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katherine L. Nelson

Katherine L. Nelson is an Assistant Professor and Director of School Counseling Programs at the University of North Dakota.

Joseph R. Morris

Joseph R. Morris is a Professor at the Western Michigan University.

Jesse Brinson

Jesse Brinson is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Michelle A. Stahl

Michelle A. Stahl is a doctoral student at Western Michigan University.