A Critical Paradox: The Politics of an Urban Community-Based Nonprofit In Expanding Educational Opportunities to Underserved Youth

ABSTRACT

Nonprofit community-based organizations (CBOs) increasingly provide services that are traditionally thought to be a governmental responsibility. Through a qualitative case study, we examine the role, politics, and sustainability of a nonprofit CBO aimed at expanding opportunities for underserved youth. Our findings explain how this CBO worked to diligently meet these youth’s needs and filled a gap resulting from the state and district’s negligence within, and largely resulting from, neoliberal education reforms. Findings also point to a critical paradox that reflects the pressure for CBOs to subscribe to neoliberal practices. Study implications include the need for greater connection between public education and community partners.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. We Will Rise is a pseudonym.