The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the factors of resilience that educators could replicate to increase the number of socio-economically disadvantaged students that successfully complete high school and continue to become successful adults. An examination of the factors that socio-economically disadvantaged individuals attribute to their success was conducted in this study. This study used interview data from 15 participants ranging in age from 21 to 80 years old. Nine themes emerged from the interview data that affects the resilience of socio-economically disadvantaged students. The 9 themes identified were 1) Definition of success is different for each individual, 2) Individual's mindset, 3) Resilience and perseverance, 4) Evolving family structure and circumstances, 5) Limited family resources, 6) Increase in abusive/risky behaviors, 7) Caregiver's educational support and high expectations, 8) Community support, and 9) School support. The themes presented are backed by the analysis of the data collected. Recommendations for educators and future research were made in hopes of replicating these factors to increase resilience in socio-economically disadvantaged students allowing them to become successful adults. [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.]