Experiences of African American Males: Voicing the Factors of College Success at a Predominantly White Institutio

Experiences of African American Males: Voicing the Factors of College Success at a Predominantly White Institution African American students lag behind academically at all levels of education, particularly in the participation and attrition rate in higher education. In comparing African American males to females, their rate is even lower. Significant numbers of African American males are the recipients of a substandard K--12 education, which carries over into their higher education experience. Compared to their White counterparts, African American males matriculate at higher education institutions at lower rates, due to deficiencies within the K--12 education system (American Council on Education, 2001).;The purpose of this qualitative study is to identify both the supportive factors and the barriers that African American males face in achieving success at predominantly White institutions of higher education. Using a phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of 10 African American male college seniors, attending predominantly white private universities, this study explores the issues African American males encounter on their journey in higher education. It also sheds light on obstacles they face along the way to academic success.;The experiences of African American males were examined through the framework of critical race theory (CRT). CRT recognizes that African Americans and those of other minority ethnic groups have experiential knowledge, legitimizes their experiences, and provides a voice for these experiences (Osiris, 2005).;This study is significant in providing an opportunity for 10 African American male voices to be heard. Five analytic themes, with sub-themes emerged: I'll Show You (Experiencing Racism, Cultural Identity, Defying the Odds, Perseverance), Motivational and Academic support (Support Beyond Parental, Parental Support, Eroding Scaffolding), Mentoring (Peer mentoring, Structured Mentoring, Giving Back), Lure to College (Involvement in Sports, Orientation to College), and Beyond Academics (Comfort Zone, You Shaped My World).;The participants' perspectives shed light on African American males' path to academic success, identified obstacles that impedes success, and provides educational institutions ways in which to increase recruitment and retention of African American males attending post-secondary institutions.