Background Despite increasing minority enrollment in nursing programs, student attrition remains a persistent problem. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of a diverse group of black alumni at a predominantly white institution in the United States. Method In this qualitative descriptive study, researchers conducted focus group interviews with 16 recent graduates of accelerated baccalaureate and direct-entry nurse practitioner programs. Results Four themes emerged as barriers to success: burden of exclusion and isolation, lack of diversity among students and faculty, struggling to find mentors, and cultural assumptions. Five themes captured the strategies alumni adopted to succeed: strength in numbers, helpful mentors, resilience, faith, and self-silencing. Conclusion Participants experienced challenges but successfully navigated the program until they graduated. The study findings lay the groundwork for the development of programs that foster success for all students.

Homelessness among American adolescents is not a new phenomenon. The United States has a long history of youth who are runaways and/or homeless. The majority of adolescents who are homeless believe that they have no acceptable housing placement options. The foster care system often fails to help youth deal with problems. The impact of homelessness on youth's social functioning and health status should be raised at the community level, particularly by community nurses and other health professions who interact with adolescents who are homeless. By using Kingdon's multiple streams model, nurses can advocate for homeless youth by accurately defining and reframing adolescent homelessness for policy makers and including provision of shelter as a policy priority.

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