Institutional Strategies to Empower African American Male Student-Athletes

Higher education must not treat students as a monolith but identify and respond to different demographics’ particular needs, following through on its promise to serve all students.

A Critical Challenge in Higher Education

Community colleges are a vital entry point into higher education for many students, especially African American male student-athletes. Despite their visibility in athletics, these students often face significant academic and structural barriers that hinder degree completion and transfer success. 

Research consistently shows that African American male students in community colleges experience disproportionately low retention and graduation rates. However, when institutions implement intentional and culturally responsive support systems, these students demonstrate strong academic potential and long-term success. 

Based on my qualitative study of African American male former student-athletes from Michigan community colleges, this article highlights the key challenges these students face and outlines institutional strategies that promote their persistence and achievement. 

Key Challenges Facing African American Male Student-Athletes 

Interviews with study participants revealed several common barriers to success: 

Academic under-preparedness 

Many student-athletes entered community college without strong academic preparation, particularly in areas such as math and writing, limiting their ability to succeed early on. 

Balancing sports and academics 

Athletic commitments—including practices, games and travel—often conflicted with class schedules and study time, making academic consistency difficult. 

Lack of structured support 

Several participants noted the absence of comprehensive academic advising, mentoring or career guidance, which often left them to navigate college independently. 

Cultural isolation 

A lack of representation among faculty and staff led to feelings of disconnection. Many students expressed a desire for more Black faculty members and mentors who could relate to their experiences and aspirations. 

Despite these challenges, the research also highlighted institutional practices that significantly improved academic outcomes for African American male student-athletes. 

Three Institutional Strategies That Improve Student-Athlete Success 

1. Mandatory academic support services

Example: implementing structured study halls and tutoring 
Colleges that embedded academic supports into athletic programs—such as required study halls, targeted tutoring and progress monitoring—saw improved retention and completion rates. 

• Best practice: Require weekly academic progress meetings with faculty or academic advisors. 
• Impact: It enables early intervention and consistent academic accountability 

2. Strengthening faculty and mentor relationships

Example: assigning faculty mentors to student-athletes 
Students reported higher levels of engagement and motivation when receiving support from faculty mentors who understood their unique experiences and goals. 

• Best practice: Establish formal mentorship programs pairing student-athletes with faculty or professional staff. 
• Impact: It builds a sense of belonging and support, which research shows is critical to retention and student success. 

3. Creating transition pathways beyond athletics

Example: career readiness and transfer planning
Many student-athletes initially see sports as their primary career goal. Those who succeeded academically often had alternative pathways and clearly defined post-athletic plans. 

• Best practice: Provide career development workshops, internship opportunities and transfer support to four-year institutions. 
• Impact: It encourages long-term planning and reinforces the importance of academic achievement. 

Why This Matters: A Call to Action for Community Colleges 

To increase retention and degree completion among African American male student-athletes, community colleges must prioritize structured academic support, faculty engagement and culturally relevant programming. 

• Investing in tutoring, mentoring and academic advising is not an optional service but a critical strategy for student success. 

• Providing career exploration and pathways beyond athletics helps students stay motivated and focused on long-term goals. 

• Recognizing the distinct challenges African American male students face allows institutions to create support systems that are inclusive, intentional and effective. 

Student-athlete success should be measured not just by wins and stats but by degrees earned and careers launched. Community colleges have a unique opportunity to lead in redefining that success. 

Next Steps: Institutional Implementation 

• Faculty and advisors: Develop structured mentorship and support programs specifically for student-athletes. 

• Administrators: Institutionalize weekly academic check-ins and integrate academic supports within athletic departments. 

• Policymakers: Allocate resources toward student-athlete academic advising, career development and transfer pathway initiatives. 

Community colleges are at the forefront of educational access. With the right strategies in place, they can ensure African American male student-athletes not only participate but graduate, lead and succeed.