Examining Youth Outcomes of African American–Led Nonprofits

This article examines the outcomes of African American–led nonprofit organizations in improving the lives of the youth they serve. Using the framework of representative bureaucracy, this study suggests that demographic similarity among nonprofit leadership and nonprofit clients is transferable to increasing positive youth outcomes within African American–led youth-focused nonprofit organizations. Based on survey data from 727 youth, enhanced by qualitative interviews and focus groups, this research examines youth outcomes across three African American–led nonprofits and compares them with demographically similar youth in their communities. Youth outcomes are analyzed in the areas of academic performance, deviant behavior, family and social support, and self-esteem and resiliency. The findings suggest youth who participate in African American–led nonprofit organizations outperform their peers in the areas of academic performance and self-esteem. These outcomes are important because African American–led nonprofit organizations disproportionately serve African American youth who may not otherwise be served by other extracurricular programming.