This quantitative correlational predictive study examined the extent to which academic resilience and supportive environment collectively and individually predict internal motivation in African American male first generation college students at an HBCU in the United States. Academic Resilience Theory, African American Male Theory, and the Model of Persistence and Retention for Black Men at HBCUs provided the theoretical foundations for the study. A sample of 116 African American male first generation college students completed three surveys: The Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30) to measure academic resilience, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support to measure supportive environment, and the Academic Success Inventory for College Students to measure internal motivation. Results of the multiple linear regression indicated that academic resilience and supportive environment, considered collectively, significantly predict internal motivation in African American male first generation college students [F (2,113) = 17.965, p < 0.001]. Individually, academic resilience significantly predicted internal motivation ([beta] = 0.517, t = 5.325, p = 0.001). Supportive environment, considered individually, was not a significant predictor of internal motivation ([beta] = -0.052, t = -0.536, p = 0.593). The findings can be used to inform students, universities, performance psychologists, and counselors about factors that predict internal motivation in this population. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]