AmeriKKKa\u27s Most Wanted: Exploring Non-Cognitive Factors & Barriers for Retaining First Generation African American Males Attending HBCUs

When examining retention rates for African American males there are multiple factors that influence their progression in college. When looking at the data and research in the world of academia, male students of color aren’t stacking up to their counterparts as it pertains to continuing education. This qualitative research is to explore non-cognitive factors that influence or affect retention rates for First-Generation African American male students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The objective of this research is to explore the lived experiences of First Generation African American male students as it pertains to non-cognitive factors hindering their academic progress in a higher education setting. Secondly, examine factors that will help universities understand the factors influencing African American males academic achievement at institution of higher education. The purpose of this study is to understand the phenomenon of college persistence and non-cognitive issues for first generation African-American males attending Historically Black Colleges in the southeastern portion of the United States. Moreover, this study is conducted to determine how well HBCUs handle non-cognitive issues facing FGAAM once they arrive at the university and to review the experiences that creates, atmospheres for male’s students of color to remain at their university