Narratives of Belonging: Evaluating the Extended Family Model in Community-centered Programming for Immigrant Communities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 3:45 pm - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Learning and Belonging in Out-of-School Contexts: Multilingual Learners’ Agency and Community Engagement

Abstract

This study evaluates a trauma-informed, community-based afterschool program serving immigrant and refugee children in North Carolina. Using an “extended family” model, the program offers safe spaces, meals, and academic support to families facing linguistic and economic barriers. A multi-method qualitative approach—including staff interviews, parent surveys, student focus groups, and visual artifacts—captured experiences across grade levels. Pre- and post-surveys assessed growth in socioemotional well-being, cultural pride, and English language acquisition. Ethnographic field notes from summer camp observations further contextualized findings. Data were analyzed using NVivo, with emergent themes guiding interpretation. Results underscore the program’s role in fostering belonging and resilience, contributing to equity-centered education and highlighting the transformative impact of culturally grounded, community-rooted programming.

Authors

• Lan Quach Kolano, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Jue Wang, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Emilia Olivera, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Michele Falla, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Kristen Rebecca Cruz, University of North Carolina - Charlotte