Celebrating a decade of college success training for Utah K-12 administrators and counselors

Ten years ago the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) hosted its first statewide conference for school administrators and counselors. Around 170 counselors attended that conference. Since then, the annual conference has quadrupled in size, with over 660 attendees at this year’s 10th annual USHE Conference for School Counselors and Administrators, including elementary, junior high, […]

Analyzing Utah’s college participation and completion patterns

In 2016, the Board of Regents adopted a 10-year strategic plan, Utah: A State of Opportunity, which includes two specific goals related to students’ participation and completion of higher education: 75% of Utah’s high school graduates would enroll in college within five years of high school graduation by the year 2025 Degree productivity at institutions […]

FAFSA completion in Utah up 39% over last year

According to a new analysis, completion of the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by eligible high school seniors has jumped an incredible 39% over last year. Source: http://website.education.wisc.edu/nwhillman/index.php/2017/06/09/october-to-june-high-school-fafsa-filing/ On average, FAFSA completions are up 10% across the country. These substantial increases could be attributed to the earlier filing timeline of the FAFSA for […]

CollegeCon 2017

CollegeCon 2017 is a free one-day conference that allows parents and students the opportunity to explore college possibilities through booths, keynote speeches, and small-group breakout sessions. This year’s event, held at Davis High School on March 18, drew over 1,400 attendees. Representatives from the Utah System of Higher Education attended the event. Hundreds of students […]

Utah College Application Week reaches record 32 Utah school districts

During November 2016, almost 20,000 high school seniors from 32 school districts (117 high schools) throughout the state participated in Utah College Application Week (UCAW) events.  Utah College Application Week events give high school seniors the opportunity to apply to college during the school day, with advisors available to help with the application process as needed. Lieutenant […]

ESSA provides unique partnership opportunity for higher ed and K-12

Every Child Succeeds Act

Over the past several years, higher ed and K-12 in Utah have sought ways to work more closely to better serve students in transitioning from high school to college. The recent passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides a unique opportunity for higher ed and K-12 to ensure a seamless experience for students as they […]

Utah Scholars 2015-16 annual report

91% of eighth graders plan to attend college. However, statistics show, only about 50% of Utah high school students enroll in college after graduation. The Utah Scholars program is designed to increase the number of well-prepared students going on to college after high school by helping them set college goals before they get to high […]