In 1990, a study was conducted to validate factors which relate to the persistence or retention of students enrolled in two-year college occupational programs, with a particular focus on minority students. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 731 students and 55 faculty members at 5 colleges in New York. In addition to the survey, interviews were held at the 5 sites with 77 minority students, 56 faculty members, and 11 administrators and institutional researchers. Study findings included the following: (1) support, usually from family, and the desire to rise above poverty were important to college success; (2) student success was positively correlated with a hospitable and accepting academic environment created by caring faculty, with departmental concern for students; (3) successful grade point average (GPA) was the critical factor in a student's commitment to completion, and in his/her sense of belonging at the college; (4) connecting with the institution through faculty, staff, or peer groups cultivated a sense of belonging which was itself positively related to favorable GPA; (5) among faculty, a hospitable environment for minority students was seen as the principal institutional variable contributing to student success; and (6) no significant differences were found in contributors to persistence between minority and non-minority students. The report concludes with a student persistence success formula, describing the features contributing to a positive college environment, realistic expectations, sense of belonging, and academic success. (JMC)