The Determination to Succeed: A Case Study of an African American Male Who Successfully Graduated from College in Three Years

• In Event: 26.080 - Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: 26.080-18 - African American Female and Male Achievement

Abstract

African American males persisting through college to attain a degree is a critical topic of discussion in the United States. Only a dismal 9% of African American males receive bachelor’s degrees compared to 24% of White males (Kim, 2011). In light of these grim statistics, the authors conducted a qualitative case study to understand the success factors that contributed to the college completion of an African American male who persisted through K-12 and graduated from college in three years. This case study was apart of a larger study to understand the unique experiences of African American men during their time in college. Internal motivation and Focus on Career and Educational Goals in addition to Parental Involvement emerged as themes in this case study. The authors offer implications for research and practice for helping African American males from urban areas persist through K-12 and college.

Authors

• Erik M Hines, University of Connecticut

• Paul C. Harris, University of Virginia

• Renae Mayes, Ball State University