This qualitative case study explores the motivating factors that influence CTE pathway selection for African American men students and will investigate the interplay between two components of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), self-efficacy and outcome expectations, and their role in the career decision-making process. Drawing upon SCCT, this case study seeks to understand the decision-making process of African American men pursuing CTE programs at an urban community college in Illinois. This study further explored whether culture/race shapes the perspectives of African American men students and their decision to pursue a CTE pathway. Lastly, the study will investigate the types of supports this population uses and needs to persist to completion. A review of extant literature demonstrates there is a gap in the literature of qualitative research that specifically examines African American men's perspectives on CTE pathways, particularly those enrolled at community colleges. Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted -- seven African American men students and two CTE Advisors. Four themes emerged from the findings: lived experiences, career outcome expectation: financial freedom, social networks, race and culture. [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.]