Because Black males have consistently enrolled in college at lower rates than other racial groups, it is critical to continue researching reasons for this racial gap in higher education. In this phenomenological study, participants shared their lived experience, which revealed the following themes: guidance counseling - supportive yet lacking, teacher relationships influencing college attainment, and education through self-actualization. Although the participants did not describe experiencing racism in their guidance counseling process, they explained challenges they encountered because of their race. Implications for future practice consist of bridge programs funded and sponsored by higher education institutions for current and aspiring guidance counselors with a focus on relationship-building skills, and supporting students with choosing and applying to college. The implications for future research are to explore teacher collateral programs and re-classify the roles of high school guidance counselors. [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.]