Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2025
Degree Type
Capstone - Open Access
Instructor/Advisor
Dr. Melissa Nemon & Dr. Audrey Falk
Abstract
The retention rates of Black male students in U.S. higher education institutions are critically low. This capstone identifies the variety of barriers that Black males face that contribute to these low college retention rates and explores the role of mentorship as a catalyst for improving retention rates among Black male college students. By utilizing Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as a framework, this research highlights how various environmental influences interact to impact student retention. The project includes a community workshop aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of how mentorship can support Black male students in their academic, emotional and personal journeys. Workshop participants recognized mentorship as critical for academic, emotional and professional success. Implications for future work include the need for institutions to diversify mentorship programs, build mentorship ecosystems, and track long-term impacts on student retention. Future initiatives should center Black male student experiences and broaden mentor networks to promote belonging, persistence, and college completion. The workshop affirmed that through intentional mentorship, we can create powerful pathways for Black male students to thrive, persist and achieve their fullest potential.
Recommended Citation
Hollins, Dejour, "Lifting As We Climb: Mentorship as a Catalyst for Retention Among Black Male College Students" (2025). Community Engagement Student Work. 129.
https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/soe_student_ce/129