Investigating the College Adjustment and Transition Experiences of Formerly Incarcerated Black Male Collegians at Predominantly White Institutions

Much of the present research available on formerly incarcerated Black males (FIBMs) focuses primarily on their criminal experiences and subsequent effects on their personal lives, employment options, and repeat offenses. Despite the overwhelming number of Black men in the U.S. criminal justice system and the country’s goal of increasing the proportion of citizens who earn postsecondary degrees, little is known about the postsecondary adjustment and transition experiences of FIBMs. This exploratory study represents an initial attempt to address a gap in the research by centering on two questions: (a) What challenges do FIBMs face in adjusting and transitioning to college? (b) What supports help FIBMs persist in college? Employing a constructivist qualitative approach, FIBMs were interviewed via one-on-one semi-structured interviews over a period of 12 months at public research institutions within the United States. Analysis of interview data yielded three major themes: (a) ex-offender label as impediment and motivation for higher education, (b) importance of support networks, and (c) development of resiliency. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are highlighted.