College mentoring: Alumni views on programme efficacy in shaping leadership ability

Abstract

This qualitative exploratory case study investigated the perceived role of mentoring in assisting African American males achieve leadership positions. Twenty African American male alumni of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB), a college-based mentoring programme, were interviewed. Emerging themes were: 1) educational success, 2) mentoring attitudes, 3) college and professional mentoring, 4) professional success, 5) leadership style and identity, 6) mentoring and the glass ceiling phenomenon, 7) mentoring and making leaders, and 8) satisfaction with mentoring and mentoring programmes. Participants attributed most of their professional success to their SAAB experiences. Findings provide suggestions on how mentoring programmes can shape leadership ability.

Keywords

• glass ceiling
• African American males
• mentorship
• leader
• leadership programme