The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how and why the human, cultural, and social capital (or lack thereof) of students from rural North Carolina counties of persistent poverty impacted their decision to attend a historically black college or university (HBCU). Students from counties of persistent poverty in their first semester at a HBCU were asked to reflect upon their journey by answering the research question: What made you decide to attend an HBCU? The students were prompted to share stories about the traits of their familial and social networks of how their social and familial networks influenced the decision to go to college. A multiple case study design utilizing Bourdieu's theory of social capital (1986) as a framework was used to collect and analyze data. An interpretation of the themes is presented graphically using NVivo software and narratively using rich, thick description. Recommendations for higher education administrators and policy makers are provided to encourage the participation of students from rural North Carolina counties of persistent poverty. [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.]