When Schools Close, What Happens to a Community?
School closures do not only affect classrooms. They reshape neighborhoods, displace families, and alter the social fabric of entire communities. This case study examines the widespread closure of public schools in Puerto Rico and asks what these decisions mean for students, educators, and long-term community resilience.
The research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the 2025 SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge). Developed within the M.S. program in Public Affairs, the project was completed by Chiamaka Stellamaris Nwede. Her work focuses on San Juan as a case study to explore the social, economic, and institutional consequences of school closures and the collective responsibility required to rebuild educational systems.
Abstract: Puerto Rico School Closures – Saving Our Education to Save Our Community: A Case Study of San Juan
This case study explores the impact of public school closures in Puerto Rico, with a specific focus on San Juan. Following the economic crisis and natural disasters, Puerto Rico experienced significant educational disruptions, resulting in the closure of hundreds of public schools.
This research investigates the social, economic, and community implications of these closures, highlighting the challenges faced by displaced students, educators, and families. It also examines the role of nonprofit organizations in supporting community development and mitigating the impact of educational disruption.
Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including unstructured interviews with community leaders and focus group discussions with students and teachers, the study underscores education’s critical role in community resilience and development.
The findings reveal that families, schools, places of worship, government agencies, law enforcement, courts, and lawmakers all have a crucial role to play in preserving education as a foundation for community stability. This research advocates for a holistic approach to education reform that safeguards the future of Puerto Rico’s youth and strengthens its communities.
Graduate Poster Exhibition at SPARK!
The Graduate Poster Exhibition celebrates the research and creative work of the graduate community, showcasing everything from prose and code to original research and artistic expression. As part of SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), a reimagining of Research Week, the exhibition highlights the depth, range, and impact of graduate scholarship and invites the campus community to engage with ideas taking shape across disciplines.
Transform Communities with Rutgers–Camden’s Public Affairs Graduate Programs
Rutgers University–Camden offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Public Affairs/Community Development, focusing on public policy, urban affairs, and political economy. The curriculum addresses community power, urban sustainability, and social justice, providing advanced research skills through courses like Statistical Inquiry and Geospatial Analysis. Students can engage in practical experiences via research centers such as the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs and the Center for Urban Research and Education. The program offers flexible pathways, including a 30-credit M.S. degree suitable for part-time students, a 2+3 model combining M.S. and Ph.D. studies, and a 66-credit Ph.D. program. Notably, Rutgers–Camden’s Public Affairs program is recognized among the top public affairs schools by U.S. News & World Report.
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