| Description |
This research was completed to examine the discourse of success and retention in two TRIO programs at the University of Utah. The purpose of this study concentrated on how Student Support Services (SSS) and Upward Bound support their first- generation students through the rhetoric in their outreach materials. Theories guiding this research include Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and the Community Cultural Wealth Model. The research utilized SSS and Upward Bound brochures, flyers, power point presentations, staff training handbooks, images, websites, and grant proposals as sources to understand how their use of rhetoric influences student retention and success in the program. Results indicated three main themes emerging from the materials: celebrations, challenges, and community/ family which were analyzed through the theoretical frameworks previously stated. This research is key for educational contributors such as the Department of Education as a financial stakeholder and The University of Utah as institutional support. However, this work is particularly important for the TRIO program staff because it demonstrates the program's implementation of culturally relevant rhetoric which positively influences students in the program. |
