The Start Point: A Grounded Theory Study of Aspirations and Needs of TRIO Students at the Point of Entry into a Postsecondary Enrollment or Postsecondary Attainment Program

Since 1965, federally-funded TRIO programs in the United States have served disadvantaged students to promote their postsecondary enrollment and postsecondary degree attainment. The purpose of this study was to examine the aspirations and needs of 94 students at their point of entry into a TRIO program. Students’ perspectives were considered against the purposes of the TRIO programs, as stated in U.S. legislation and as these programs have evolved. Employing a grounded theory methodology, the researcher explored what students envision for their futures and how students’ perspectives support the purposes of TRIO programs. The major finding that emerged from the analysis of the evolution of TRIO programs is the broadening and extending of TRIO programs along five dimensions. The four major findings that emerged from the analysis of students’ written statements are, first, the focus on the self in the abstract; second, the focus on the family in the abstract; third, first-generation college as an honor; and fourth, students’ perspectives on their futures beyond the postsecondary enrollment and postsecondary attainment purposes of TRIO programs. Implications of the findings and of the resulting theory for TRIO program management and for federal policy are presented, as are suggestions for further research.