Proceedings of the 23rd International Academic Conference, Venice

BLACK MALE EXPERIENCE AT A PRIVATE LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE

ANDREA FARENGA

Abstract:

This paper is a narrative inquiry of Black male college students relative to their experiences at a small predominantly white liberal arts college. While the racial gap has narrowed in college enrollment, there remains a sizeable gap in graduation rate (Castleman, 2014). Black male college success is related to involvement in student life activities, use of student support services, mentoring and internships, personal perseverance, selectivity of the institution, and racial climate (Strayhorn, 2009). Racial climate may be influenced by myths (Toldson, 2012) about Black male school achievement. Participants discussed open ended questions in focus groups and personal interviews during which they described their college experience per factors related to collegiate success.

Keywords: African-American Black Minority Male College Experience

DOI: 10.20472/IAC.2016.023.036

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