Black Men Can Be Successful Too: A Phenomenological Study into the Lived Experiences of Black Male First-Generation College Graduates

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Black Men Can Be Successful Too: A Phenomenological Study into the Lived Experiences of Black Male First-Generation College Graduates
Language: English
Authors: Douglas Harris
Source: ProQuest LLC. 2023Ed.D. Dissertation, Trident University International.
Availability: ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 143
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: African American Students, Males, First Generation College Students, College Graduates, Student Experience, Success, Barriers, Time Management, Student Employment, Mentors, Financial Problems, Majors (Students), Family Influence, Peer Influence, Teacher Influence, Social Influences, Student Attitudes, Student Motivation
ISBN: 979-83-7990-211-7
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black male first-generation college graduates who successfully completed at least their bachelor's degree. Two research questions guided the study: Research Question 1: How did the Black first-generation college graduate describe their lived experience with being successful with their college degree completion and Research Question 2: What factors were most related to the Black male first-generation graduates' success in completing their college degrees? Harris & Woods Socio-ecological Outcomes Model was used as the conceptual framework for this study as the theory suggests that encounters between an individual and their environment are reciprocal, meaning a person is influenced by their surroundings and the surroundings are influenced by the person (Salihu et al., 2015). The sample consisted of twelve Black male first-generation college graduates who have earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the United States. This study implored the qualitative methodology and utilized a phenomenological design. Data was gathered by utilizing semi-structured open-ended private detailed interviews. The study revealed that despite the challenges faced by the Black male first-generation college graduate such as (a) time management, (b) having to work full-time and go to school, (c) lack of mentorship or guidance, (d) financial struggles, and (e) not knowing their degree program, they were still able to overcome those challenges and complete their degree programs because of the following factors: (a) support from family and friends, (b) fellow students, and (c) university faculty and staff; Societal factors such as (a) not wanting to be a product of growing up in a rough neighborhood and (b) receiving support from church and community organizations; Internal factors such as (a) wanting to be the first in their family to graduate and (b) to prove those wrong that doubted them. The Black male first-generation college graduate was motivated to (a) make their families proud, (b) be the first in the family to graduate, and (c) financial stability. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Access URL: https://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqm&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:30568802
Accession Number: ED637031
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of Black male first-generation college graduates who successfully completed at least their bachelor's degree. Two research questions guided the study: Research Question 1: How did the Black first-generation college graduate describe their lived experience with being successful with their college degree completion and Research Question 2: What factors were most related to the Black male first-generation graduates' success in completing their college degrees? Harris & Woods Socio-ecological Outcomes Model was used as the conceptual framework for this study as the theory suggests that encounters between an individual and their environment are reciprocal, meaning a person is influenced by their surroundings and the surroundings are influenced by the person (Salihu et al., 2015). The sample consisted of twelve Black male first-generation college graduates who have earned at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the United States. This study implored the qualitative methodology and utilized a phenomenological design. Data was gathered by utilizing semi-structured open-ended private detailed interviews. The study revealed that despite the challenges faced by the Black male first-generation college graduate such as (a) time management, (b) having to work full-time and go to school, (c) lack of mentorship or guidance, (d) financial struggles, and (e) not knowing their degree program, they were still able to overcome those challenges and complete their degree programs because of the following factors: (a) support from family and friends, (b) fellow students, and (c) university faculty and staff; Societal factors such as (a) not wanting to be a product of growing up in a rough neighborhood and (b) receiving support from church and community organizations; Internal factors such as (a) wanting to be the first in their family to graduate and (b) to prove those wrong that doubted them. The Black male first-generation college graduate was motivated to (a) make their families proud, (b) be the first in the family to graduate, and (c) financial stability. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ISBN:979-83-7990-211-7