Exploring Innovation, Impact, and Resilience in Education Marketplaces: Accounts of Social Innovation Entrepreneurs Working with Schools

Authors

  • Walter Fernando Balser University of Florida
  • Dr. John O'Malley Regis University
  • Lindsay McElhattan University of Florida

Keywords:

community innovation, Collective Impact, Education Innovation

Abstract

Social innovation has seen significant growth in recent years as governments, foundations, and private investors have recognized the potential of exploring novel approaches to solving community challenges.  In education, this has led to the growth of organizations working alongside schools in various fields, ranging from tutoring and mentoring programs to athletics and youth development.  These agencies are often in the growth stage, operating in a nascent blended capital ecosystem that includes a mix of philanthropy, impact investing, public and private funding, and venture capital.  Although there is existing literature on public-private partnerships in general, there needs to be more understanding of the viewpoints of entrepreneurs and agencies that work directly with schools.  Therefore, central to this research was gaining insights from social innovation leaders actively engaged with schools and operating in a dynamic K12 market.  Employing a narrative inquiry approach, we share the experiences of entrepreneurs striving to succeed and expand their organizations within a challenging landscape often referred to as the "education industrial complex" (Hess, 2006, p.1).  By analyzing these stories, four prominent themes emerge that shed light on the present condition of social innovation agencies in education and provide suggestions for building cross-sector alignment moving forward.

Author Biographies

Walter Fernando Balser, University of Florida

Dr. Walter Fernando Balser is a clinical assistant professor in the masters and LEAD program. Dr. Balser’s scholarship examines the changing education ecosystem from the standpoint of decentralization, involving the growing role of outside agencies and nonprofits working in schools, the relationship between public schooling and private capital, and how all of this may intersect in a rapidly evolving digital world. Dr. Balser’s current research explores how these changes may impact organizational behavior and leadership orientations. Dr. Balser has worked as a teacher, administrator, and strategic consultant in schools across the country.

Dr. John O'Malley, Regis University

Dr. John O'Malley is an Assistant Professor in the Division for Counseling and Family Therapy at Regis University teaching in the Clinical Mental Health master’s program. When teaching, Dr. O’Malley considers the whole person and everything they are experiencing, stepping into their shoes to better understand their emotions and help empower them. Dr. O’Malley believes this is the Jesuit way, to truly and authentically step into the experiences of others, reflect, and listen. As a Board-Certified counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, Dr. O'Malley maintains a private practice serving individuals and couples in Denver, Colorado. He also runs the Lived Experience and Narrative Research Project (LEAN Lab), which seeks to lean into lived and told stories to improve mental health and educational spaces.

Lindsay McElhattan, University of Florida

Lindsay McElhattan is a graduate stuent in educational leadership and policy at the Unioversity of Florida.

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Published

2025-11-19

How to Cite

Walter Fernando Balser, O'Malley, J., & McElhattan, L. (2025). Exploring Innovation, Impact, and Resilience in Education Marketplaces: Accounts of Social Innovation Entrepreneurs Working with Schools. Social Innovations Journal, 33. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/8136

Issue

Vol. 33 (2025): Social Innovations Towards Leadership Excellence

Section

Social Finance and Economic Development

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Walter Fernando Balser, Dr. John O'Malley, Lindsay McElhattan (Author)

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