The problem addressed in this study was the current low retention and graduation rates of Black males at community colleges nationwide. The purpose of this causal-comparative quantitative study was to determine the effect of the Black Male Initiative (BMI) on Black males' academic self-efficacy and academic achievement scores. Academic self-efficacy and student retention theory framed this study. Black male participants completed the Academic and Self-Efficacy Survey (ASES) instrument via Qualtrics. Statistics were generated using a Mann-Whitney U Test and independent t-test to determine statistical differences between the academic self-efficacy and academic achievement scores of the two groups of Black male college students. Results revealed significant differences in the academic self-efficacy scores of BMI and non-BMI members, and Black males who participated in the BMI outperformed those who did not participate with the BMI program. These results suggest engagement with a BMI program could enhance Black males' academic achievement in community colleges. Administrators must speak with BMI and non-BMI members to discuss ways to close the achievement gap. Furthermore, additional research is needed to understand the direct relationship between BMI participants and services offered by the BMI program. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]