This presentation presents the preliminary results of a survey administered to Chemical Engineering students aimed at identifying and characterizing factors that contribute to the persistence and attrition of African-American students, particularly females majoring in Chemical Engineering and related degree programs. A preliminary analysis of survey data from the first phase of the study is provided examining engineering persistence. Data was collected from African American students currently in their third year or beyond using the Assessing Women in Engineering (AWE) Student Persisting in Engineering survey. The factors examined include high school preparation, confidence in completing current degree program, faculty and peer interactions, and career outlook.