Perceptions of African American Males Regarding Supports for School Success

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine African American male’s perceptions regarding factors that support school success. In doing so, it is important for the researcher to examine African American male’s perceptions regarding barriers to school success and their recommendations for supports that may increase the probability of school success. Participants for this study include a convenience sample of 30 high school graduates, from Title I high schools, currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution. All of the participants must be of African descent, identify African American, or they may be bi-racial and identify African American. The research questions provided opportunity to further investigate what African American males perceive as supports for and barriers to school success. Also, the perceptions that African American males have regarding recommendations for supports that may increase the probability of school success. The emergent themes of this study indicate that the African American males that participated in this study consider a presence of a support system, mentorship, and positive role models to be the most crucial supports to school success. These supports aided them in overcoming what they considered barriers to their school success, which included negative or unstable environments, financial issues, and lack of support.