Governor Herbert declares October as Utah College Application and Awareness Month

The Utah System of Higher Education is partnering with 145 Utah schools this month on Utah College Application Week events where senior students will have the chance to complete at least one college or university application during the school day and create a postsecondary education plan. 

Now in its eighth year, Utah College Application Week events will take on new formats as each school continues its preventative measures to protect students and faculty from COVID-19. Schools are using a variety of online modules and hybrid scheduling focused on reducing group sizes in accordance with social distancing protocols. This is the second year younger grades can also take part and engage in college readiness activities to learn about college vocabulary, potential occupations and much more.

Governor Gary R. Herbert declared October 2020, Utah College Application and Awareness Month, once again highlighting the importance of attaining higher education for today’s workforce and the impact higher education can have on individuals, their families and society.

“I’m overjoyed to see 145 schools join us for Utah College Application Week events this year,” said Dave R. Woolstenhulme, Commissioner of Higher Education. “I’d like to thank our state’s secondary counselors and educators for their dedication to our students and their future postsecondary path, especially through this pandemic; your efforts will make higher education a reality for many more students.”

UCAW is part of the national American College Application Campaign, now joined with ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, aimed at increasing the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. Beginning in 2014, ACAC programs took place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The campaign expands each year to include more high schools and students.