<p> The purpose of this study was to gain a rich understanding of successful African American male student-athletes' perspectives on factors that supported their academic success in California community colleges. Using phenomenological methods, 13 African American male student-athletes from a large suburban single-campus community college were interviewed. Twelve of the 13 student-athletes participated in intercollegiate football, and one played basketball. The interview sample was comprised of students with ages spanning from 19 to 23 and grade point averages varying from 2.12 to 3.57, with most of the students above a 2.5 grade point average. The results of this study provide a unique look into the lives of African American male student-athletes as they describe their individual journeys that have led to their academic success. The young men discussed the effects of family, finances, relationship negotiation, academic resources, academic integration, and racial issues that served as a support to their success rather than as a barrier. This study raises awareness of the struggles Black student-athletes encounter in college and their resiliency in overcoming challenges by utilizing the barriers they face as motivation to succeed in both their athletic and academic endeavors. Additionally, this study provides insights that administrators, program developers, and educational leaders can use to ensure inclusiveness and to enhance programs and academic pathways that intentionally support first-generation, underrepresented, underserved students.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:3663038 |
| Date | 13 June 2015 |
| Creators | Veloz, Olivia N. |
| Publisher | California State University, Fullerton |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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