United States public primary and secondary school attrition rates for African American males were significantly higher than their non-African American peers. The attrition rate disparity persisted through college graduation despite decades long programs and practices to improve African American male graduation rates. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore elementary teachers' perceptions on the potential for mentoring programs in schools to improve male African American student retention. Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory provided the theoretical framework to address the phenomenon. The research questions involved elementary teachers' perceptions and experiences regarding mentoring programs for 8th grade African American males to reduce the high school dropout rate. Content analysis was employed using semi-structured interviews of 10 elementary school teachers experienced with mentoring programs for African American male students in the Chicago school district. Findings indicated that mentorship programs benefited African American males by fostering foster positive social interactions and providing positive role models. Teachers perceived that mentors inspired and motivated African American males to remain in school. Mentorship promoted school engagement and fostered positive toward school. Teachers perceived that benefits from mentorship persisted after the mentorship period ended. Future research was needed that regarding additional primary and secondary school grades, and effects from African American female mentorship. Finally, a quantitative longitudinal study is needed to measure the magnitude and duration of African American male mentorship programs on high school and college graduation rates. [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.]