15 Forever Alumni Spotlight: Stefan Norgaard

“There are so many people from the Community Foundation and 15 Forever that I’ve stayed in touch with. It’s amazing how these connections continue to influence and inspire the path I’ve chosen.”

For Stefan Norgaard – currently a doctoral student at Columbia University focused on urban planning – his participation (2009-2011) in the Community Foundation’s 15 Forever program made a lasting impression.

“My decision to take an academic path – following previous work experience in both philanthropy and government – is very much related to 15 Forever,” says Stefan. “For example, I recall we talked a lot about the achievement gap across different demographic groups in Boulder County, and the challenges of ensuring broad-based opportunity and equity, countywide.”

“Those themes and driving questions inspired me to pursue a PhD, and to work alongside community organizations, nonprofits, and grassroots movements. As part of my action research and learning, I’ll be working and partnering with these organizations.”

Stefan explains that critical participatory action research (PAR) – a concept coined by scholar Michelle Fine – is as yet unconventional in academia. “It’s a bit risky to proceed in this direction, but I’m confident it’s right for me,” he says. “Key tenants of PAR include standing with or working alongside communities, rather than researching on or about them.

“Rather than my research focusing on what’s of interest to me or academia, PAR asks community leaders what outputs are important to them, and requires embedding myself and collaborating in ways that produce something relevant and actionable.”

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Stefan continues, “Oftentimes in urban development projects, communities are either not consulted at all, or there’s some kind of process that’s not really meant to be accessible. But there so many fantastic community organizations out there that have a clear idea of how urban development can better take into consideration its residents of all income levels and backgrounds.

“To collective shape and plan our future cities requires a real commitment to local, grassroots democracy and decision making, and really listening to – and working closely with – community groups.”

In the near-term, Stefan’s interests in land regimes, dispossession, and racialized/gendered labor comprise his growing interest in U.S.- Mexico border issues and maquiladoras: “This summer, I’ll be in Austin, Texas, studying Spanish and working with community organizations and activists,” he says.

In closing, Stefan notes that his ties to15 Forever participants continue to this day: “There are so many people from the Community Foundation and 15 Forever that I’ve stayed in touch with. It’s amazing how these connections continue to influence and inspire the path I’ve chosen.”

15 Forever was established by Community Foundation Boulder County in 2006 to promote civic engagement, philanthropy, and leadership among Boulder County youth. Since then, this youth-driven program has granted more than $200K. Applications for our 2020-2021 program are now open: students who are racial or ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, differently abled, low-income, and/or members of other underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply.