The impact of a TRIO program and its' effect on academic success of African American males in secondary schools

African American male students as a group are taking the least advanced placement classes, graduating least from high-school, and attaining the lowest levels of college graduation, compared to other groups. Research shows that there is an achievement gap between male African-American students and students of other racial and ethnic backgrounds that have been widely documented in both academic and popular media (Fashola, 2003). ❧ This study examined the impact of TRIO programs and its’ effect on academic success of African American males in secondary schools. This study examined four TRIO programs to understand the structure and purpose of those programs and how their goals aligned with helping African American male students succeed throughout high school. ❧ The research questions used to guide this study were: How do African American males get involved with TRIO Programs? What services are being provided to African American males by TRIO programs? What are the experiences of African American males in TRIO programs that lead to academic progress? What are African American males’ involved in TRIO programs attitudes and behaviors towards educational achievement? And what percentage of African American males successfully complete high school and obtain a college degree with the help of TRIO programs? ❧ The methodology for this study was a mixed-method design. There were quantitative and qualitative data collected and analyzed. Sixty surveys were sent out to African American males ages 18-22 who were currently involved in one of the four TRIO programs or who have recently participated in one of the four TRIO programs that was studied. From the surveys, interviews were conducted with 28 male students who wanted to participate in the interview process. Interviews were also conducted with two staff members from each of the four programs. In addition, observations were conducted at the four TRIO sites. Lastly, documents were analyzed from one male student at each site. As a result, the study’s findings indicated that the resources provided through TRIO programs gave access to social and cultural capital, provided positive learning experiences and increased the college going rate for African American males in secondary schools.