Improving Retention and GPAs of Black Males: A Living and Learning Community Approach

• In Event: 21.049 - Living, Learning, and Communities in Black Education

Abstract

This study evaluates the influence of a two-year undergraduate living and learning community (LLC) on Black male achievement at a Primarily White Institution (PWI). Given the self-selection of individuals into this LLC, this study uses a quasi-experimental approach to assess the impact of the LLC. In the Fall of 2016, the LLC accepted its first cohort of students (treatment group). Propensity score and random sample matched groups (control groups) were identified using institutional demographic and background data.Two-year follow-up survival and growth curve analysis results provide evidence that the treatment group had higher gains in retention and GPAs than both control groups. The results demonstrate the measurable short-term impact of the LLC approach for Black males at a PWI.

Authors

• Dakota Wayne Cintron, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut

• Erik M Hines, University of Connecticut

• Paul Singleton, University of Connecticut - Storrs