First -Generation African American Male College Students

     Many firs-generation African American men attending colleges and universities face limited resources and opportunities to aid in their career development.  White students continue to enroll in college at a higher rate than African American students and a college education allows both social and economic access that is normally not afforded to non-college graduates.  The college completion rate of African Americans continues to fall behind other racial and ethnic groups.  Many ethnic minority first-generation college students, such as African Americans experience resistance, alienation, and a culture that is dissimilar to the community they grew up in when they attend college.  As a result, they lack a sense of belonging and this has a negative impact on achieving their academic goals.  This connection to their environment is especially necessary for African American male college students.  Student affairs professionals must recognize that African American men are unique and that they may need much more support from the institution.  Career counselors must be aware of the challenges African American men have faced over time and provide culturally sensitive counseling.  Career counselors must show a willingness to assist and effectively work with African American men in coping with barriers.  Career counselors need to listen to the perspectives of these students, be willing to discuss racism and discrimination, explain the importance of networking with faculty and alumni, and encourage students to join professional and student organizations.  In addition, counselors should recruit appropriate role models to speak about careers in which African Americans have traditionally been underrepresented and help to alleviate fears and pessimism that African American men have about their chances to succeed.  It is also important for career counselors to encourage African American males to seek out mentors. 

Owens, D., Lacey, K., Rawls, G., & Holbert- Quince, J. (2010). First-Generation African American Male College Students: Implications for Career Counselors. Career Development Quarterly, 58(4), 291-300.