An interpretative phenomenological study exploring the experiences of African American males in same race/gender mentoring relationships while attending a Predominately White Institution in the South

This exploratory study was undertaken to assess the experiences of undergraduate (and recent graduate) African American male students who were currently involved in a mentoring relationship with another African American male, while attending a Predominantly White Institution in the South. The researcher used purposive sampling to select undergraduate participants who had formed mentoring relationships with other African American males. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the interview transcripts were analyzed for structural elements or master themes, using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a guide. The findings suggest that these relationships played a role in helping undergraduate African American males navigate college life successfully while attending a Predominately White Institution in the South.