El Centro, Inc.: An Historical Research Study

Abstract

This historical research study examined the history of El Centro, Inc. in Wyandotte County, Kansas, from its origins in 1972 until 2019. The social, political, legal, and economic contexts surrounding the organization’s journey were also investigated, beginning in the year 1900 and expanding from the local environment to the state, regional, and national levels. This study focused on El Centro’s development of educational programming in the areas of youth services, advocacy, health, and economic empowerment. Susan Kenny Stevens’ Lifecycle Model was used to organize the history of El Centro. The study was largely based on document analysis and included oral histories to supplement the written evidence.