The purpose of this study is to examine the social and economic impact of two-year and community colleges on minorities particularly African Americans who are earning a certificate, transfer credits to a four-year institution, or an Associate of Arts or Science Degree. The proposed research is a qualitative case study investigating the social and economic impact of two-year junior institutions that award certificates of learning and community colleges that award Associated Degrees to African Americans in the Southern Mississippi Delta Region. The primary focus of this case study will be the alumni for community colleges in the central part of Mississippi. A literature review of two-year and community colleges yielded very little evidence that two-year and community colleges track the success or the failures of educating the African Americans within their communities. The lack of literature focusing on this specific area led to the development of three specific concepts to the purpose of this conceptual framework. The results revealed that the respondents that participated in the research study showed that several of them, both African Male and Female increased their economic and social status within their community. Giving them a better chance to succeed and enhance their quality of life. [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.]