Using data from the Community College Survey of Men designed by the Community College Equity Assessment Lab--Minority Male Community College Collaborative at San Diego State University, this study examined factors influencing in- and out-of-classroom engagement of African American male students at community colleges in California. The results suggested positive relationships between multiple predictors and independent variables on ethos factors for African American men. Additionally, the outcomes showed that 4 of the 5 independent variables were significant for African American men (i.e., personal relationships, faculty acknowledgment, belonging, and feeling welcomed). A review of the standardized beta coefficients revealed that the strongest predictor was personal relationships ([beta] = 1.62), illustrating the importance of personal connections between students and community college educators. [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/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]