EDUCATION

K-12 and higher education in Utah play a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce and fostering innovation, contributing significantly to the state's economic growth. The success of these educational systems is reflected in Utah's high graduation rates and the strong performance of its students in national assessments. Moreover, the state's commitment to education ensures that its citizens are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

POLICY CHECKLIST

 

Streamline and reduce student fees

 

Reinvest higher education funding to maximize value for students and taxpayers

Align higher education programs with Utah’s pressing workforce needs

K-12 STUDENTS & TEACHERS

Utah education outcomes are dollar for dollar the best in the country. The partnership between educators, students, and parents is vital in achieving these outcomes. We will continue to build on our success by fostering a learning environment that allows students to flourish, keeping parents informed of all aspects of their child’s education, and expanding opportunities in our career and technical education (CTE) programs.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

High school graduation rate for students who completed a CTE program (CTE completers)0%
99 %
High school graduation rate for students who completed specific requirements within a CTE program (CTE concentrators)0%
97 %
Utah’s statewide high school graduation rate0%
88 %

HIGHER EDUCATION

Utah’s institutions of higher education train our future workforce, conduct ground-breaking research, and play a critical role supporting our dynamic economy. With outstanding university presidents who aren’t afraid to tackle hard problems, we have a rare opportunity to take our colleges and universities to the next level. Working together, we can identify efficiencies and reinvest funding to maximize value for Utah students and taxpayers.

MENTAL HEALTH

Utah needs an additional 8,000 mental health professionals

(Source: OPLR)

LIFE SCIENCES

Utah has the fastest-growing life sciences industry in the country – We need more STEM grads to fill these high-paying, high-growth jobs

(Source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORKFORCE ALIGNMENT

More than ever, our universities need to prepare students with the right skills and knowledge that employers need. Our growing state needs more highly skilled engineers, nurses, teachers, and mental health professionals. Drawing on student outcomes data, universities should expand investments in degree and certificate programs that deliver strong employment opportunities for graduating students and meet Utah’s workforce needs.

 

 

FOR UTAH