Defense Date

6-30-2017

Graduation Date

Summer 1-1-2017

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

EdD

Department

Educational Studies (General Education)

School

School of Education

Committee Chair

Darius Prier

Committee Member

Anne Marie FitzGerald

Committee Member

William Curtis

Keywords

Black church; Black males; critical race theory; critical spirituality; mentoring; urban education

Abstract

This dissertation in practice examines the college readiness of five African American high school male students in urban schools in Pittsburgh, PA based on their participation in a middle school mentoring program sponsored by an urban Black church. Situated within Michael Dantley’s critical spirituality theory and critical race theory, the author analyzed youths’ counter-narrative experiences of being mentored for college readiness in the Black church. The students had informal conversations with the researcher using a grounded theory approach to the semi-structured interview format. Students found mentors to be relatable advocates to their lived experiences in schools. In addition, the mentoring program provided students motivation for future aspirations to attend college. Finally, faith inspired students for success in school; even as they continued to grow in understanding the fullness of what faith means for their lives.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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