Governor Herbert declares October as Utah College Application and Awareness Month
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah System of Higher Education is partnering with 165 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 post-secondary educational plan. For the first time this year, younger grades can take part and engage in college readiness activities to learn about college vocabulary, potential occupations and much more.
Governor Gary R. Herbert declared October Utah College Application and Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of attaining higher education for today’s workforce and the impact higher education can have on individuals, their families and society. College access advisors, under the direction of the USHE Board of Regents, are helping school counselors and volunteers with these events in each of the 34 high schools they expanded into this academic year.
“It’s remarkable to see the 165 schools that have partnered with us for Utah College Application Week this year to make higher education a reality for more students,” said Dave R. Woolstenhulme, Interim Commissioner of Higher Education. “We are thrilled to have our college access advisors in 34 high schools this year who are on the ground helping to facilitate these events with school counselors and volunteers.”
UCAW has grown in Utah from just over 2,000 participating high school seniors in 2013 to more than 23,000 participating K-12 students in 2018. Now in its seventh year, UCAW events are being held at 129 high schools, 19 middle/junior highs and 17 elementary schools that span 35 school districts across the state.
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.
