Persistence and Retention Strategies Implemented at HBCUs That Support Successful Degree Attainment of African American Men
Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: While minority students are enrolling in college at record numbers, their completion rate is significantly lower than their Caucasian peers. This gap is particularly evident among African American men. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe persistence and retention strategies implemented by HBCUs which support successful degree attainment of African American men. Framed by Tinto’s model of institutional departure, a descriptive instrumental case study design utilized data from semistructured online interviews and voluntarily submitted artifacts to explore the academic and social experiences of nine African American men who successfully completed a degree from an HBCU within the last five to 10 years. The overall findings revealed HBCUs have targeted campus retention initiatives which encompass a variety of academic support services. Social experiences are critical to social adjustment and college success. The accessibility of institutional agents, presence of male minority initiatives and mentoring programs, and familial living communities promote persistence. Participants suggested increasing alumni support and community presence, consciousness of social justice issues, proactive and intrusive measures, and financial incentives to further support African American men . Students choose HBCUs for a variety of reasons related to size and environment, family history, desire for the Black experience, and the preservation of HBCUs. Strategies utilized by HBCUs help better retain African American men; such strategies should be considered for implementation at other degree-granting institutions.
Author: Henry, Fetera D
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6986354858