Not a Program, a Village: Experiences of Supporting Youth and Building Community at the New Orleans Learning Center

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 10:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Activating Student Knowledge: Youth Building and Action Research (Table 4)

Abstract

This study seeks to understand the ways a New Orleans neighborhood organization materially supports its community, and the reasons for those particular manifestations of support. In this nested case study, I interviewed two local staff to explore the local-national relationship, and two parent/guardians at the New Orleans Center to speak about the experience of local programming. Interviews with staff showed the experience of disconnect with National, resulting in a tension when shaping their programming in ways that local staff felt most supportive of their community. Interviews with guardians showed that they saw immense benefit for their children and families in the programming and support offered by the New Orleans Learning Center.

Author

• Alexandra Stokes, University of California - Santa Cruz