A phenomenological study of the experiences of former community college student-athletes

Former two-year college student-athlete’s perceptions of the identifiable institutional services and programs that contribute to the successful transfer of student athletes from the community college to four-year colleges and universities; the professional athlete’s perceptions of the how community college athletic association member institutions can create opportunities for degree completion and explore strategies to increase graduation rates for transfer student-athletes. “A Phenomenological Study of the Experiences of Former Community College Student-Athletes” examines the experiences of five athletes and their perceptions of what aided their personal success at the community college. The results of the study illustrate the mentoring and structured programs help to create climate for success. A unified national transfer initiative will help both four-year and two-year colleges in aligning degree plans and services to improve the graduation and transfer rates of students. The completion of these education credentials will ultimately lead towards career pathways.