The purpose of this study is to examine the length of individuals' who are raised by their grandparents and the effects that it has on the individual if any. I chose to conduct research on this topic or subject matter to see if being raised by grandparents have psychological effects on the foundation of determining whether a person will achieve success (and or education). I also chose this topic so that I may add to the existing literature on this topic area in hopes that in the future my research may guide further research and funding for this population. Another main goal of this study is to discover those attributes and environmental conditions present for those who triumphed despite the odds (From Trials to Triumph). To that end, the overarching question is what are the differential characteristics between African American male high school drop outs and high school graduates? Through an analysis of those traits, we can discover those factors contributory to the success, or failure, of African American male learners in graduating from high school. Identification of those factors will serve two purposes. All involved in the educative process of Black boys will gain a better understanding of their plight. The newly gained knowledge can then be used to better prepare these learners for what many consider to be an adversarial terrain. By equipping them with the appropriate coping mechanisms, we will surely increase their likelihood of success in life and in the educational arena.