Adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage for establishing patterns of behaviors that can last a lifetime. Adolescents' choices have a significant impact on future opportunities. Education can have tremendous influence on the overall success of an individual. For example, a quality education can affect employability, which indirectly influences economic status; therefore, influencing access to health care and community resources. This literature review will examine the effect of family, peers, and teachers as it relates to adolescent motivation to achieve academically. The authors have investigated adolescent academic motivation from a cross-cultural prospective, exploring four diverse ethnic groups: European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans. The research indicates that though developmentally, adolescents share common characteristics, unique dynamics are considered by counselors when addressing academic motivation within ethnic groups.