Conklin, Marianne Julia, May 1995 - A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION'S IMPACT ON THE EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS: UNDERSTANDING BARRIERS TO CHANGE Abstract: This thesis is the result of an internship with a community organization which was created in order to improve opportunities for families and youth in an African American, inner-city neighborhood in a large Southeastern city. In an attempt to improve the educational achievement of youth in this community, this organization believed that it also must address interrelated problems in the community as well. In this thesis, multiple factors which adversely influence the educational achievement of African American students are discussed within a framework which portrays socio-historical relationships between Blacks and Whites in the United States. This discussion provides a background for understanding persistent barriers which are often experienced by African Americans growing up in lower-income communities in their pursuit of goals for themselves and their children. A case study of the community organization describes the philosophy and strategies which were chosen by the organization in order to overcome these barriers. Organizational leaders believed in a grassroots approach which would challenge "business as usual" and would involve community residents as active participants in decisions which affected their community and their lives. However, even though several of the organizational leaders grew up in similar communities, the activities which were carried out by the organization did not result in a process which actively involved community residents and challenged "business as usual." In attempting to explain this paradox, this thesis looks at organizational processes at two levels. On one level, activities which are likely to lead to a successful change effort are discussed by looking at a model for planned change called the Elaborated Leadership Obstacle Course Model. On the other level, beliefs which limit people's conceptions concerning the commonsensical way of going about things are addressed. In order to empower community members, it is necessary to utilize means which empower in the process. This thesis concludes by recommending participatory action research and Paulo Freire' s empowerment education as strategies which can be used to bring about meaningful change. .