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Abstract
The purposes of this study were to determine how nonprofits and other community organizations committed to college access for undocumented populations in restrictive states work to make higher education more accessible for this population. I also wanted to know participants’ understanding of democracy and how their work of fighting for educational equity for this group contributes to supporting and maintaining our democracy. In this qualitative study, I interviewed 19 employees from 18 nonprofit and community organizations housed in ten different states across the US. In addition to interviewing participants, I also analyzed each organization’s website, reviewing information about the organization’s history and founding, and annual reports when available. Using this information, I answered four research questions in order to better understand the founding of the organization, struggles faced by the organization, strategies for success, and how this work helps to maintain our democracy. Findings from this study suggest that limited resources remain a significant barrier for nonprofit/community organizations doing college access work. Additionally, cultural norms can have a negative impact on the work these organizations do. Even still, these organizations implement creative strategies to offset many of these barriers. This includes offering holistic services to address the whole student. As it relates to democracy, most participants struggled to discuss democracy with any real nuance, and they struggled to elaborate on how their organization helps to maintain our democracy.