Content area

Full Text

Abstract: This study examined challenges of Low Income African American males who were not academically successful in their first year of college at a predominately White institution (PWI) in Southwestern Georgia. A qualitative case study design was used to investigate the challenges and experience held by this target group. The qualitative case study approach was selected because it provided the researchers with the ideal means to focus on discovery and insight from the participants with the data produced being in the voice and experiences of the participants. The outcomes point to challenges related to the first year experience of this target group. The results of the study suggest African American males have a strong desire to feel culturally connected and included within the campus environment. Additionally, the study points to the need of establishing support systems at the institution that will enhance the successful transition into the University. This study advances the literature on African American males at PWIs and provides some insight on the challenges of the academically unsuccessful African American male during the first year.

Keywords: African American males; predominately White institutions; academic success

If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know that he had some help. Any time I start thinking, 'Wow, isn't this marvelous what I've done?' I look at that picture of a turtle stilling on top of a fence post, and remember how this turtle, me, got up on that post.

-Alex Haley

The number of African-American males, especially those of lowincome background, who do not return to college after their first year and do not graduate is a perpetuating challenge for institutions of higher education. Hence, many colleges and universities have begun discussions on ways to increase their retention rates and academic success while in college. Prior research on African-American males has focused primarily on their transition, academic preparedness, socialization, and behavioral issues following their enrollment in college, while leaving the impact of external factors untouched. In order to bridge this gap in the knowledge, this paper examines the role of support from community as well as family members in the academic success of low income African American males at a predominantly white college. At the same time, this research offers recommendations to institutions both...

Show less