Elected officials, university presidents and school leaders will be participating in Utah College Application Week (UCAW) events across the state during the month of November. Now in its third year, UCAW is in 25 districts and 84 high schools across the state.
UCAW gives every high school senior in participating schools the opportunity to apply to college during the school day, with a particular focus on first-generation and low income students, who are less likely to apply to and enroll in college.
“For many students, the college application process can feel overwhelming. Utah College Application Week events give high school students a helping hand as they complete their applications, as well as guidance and encouragement along the way, “ said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Buhler. “We are proud to work with our K-12 partners to bring these events to schools throughout the state.”
Last year, nearly 11,000 students in 49 high schools participated in UCAW. Of these:
- 18% said they would not have otherwise applied to college
- 34% identified as first-generation students
- 80% said that participating in UCAW increased their interest in going to college
Governor Gary Herbert declared November “Utah College Application Month” to raise awareness of the importance of the college application process in the state. November is “National College Application Month” as well.
Governor’s Education Advisor kicks off Utah College Application Week at Cottonwood High School
On November 2, Tami Pyfer, Education Advisor to Utah Governor Gary Herbert, kicked off Utah College Application Week at Cottonwood High School during an assembly with the senior class.
You are college material! I’ve been on campuses, I’ve seen kids like you all the time doing amazing, amazing things. There is a college or university here in Utah that is going to be perfect for you.
—Tami Pyfer, Education Advisor to the Governor
Below is a schedule of events for UCAW:
| DATE/TIME | LOCATION | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Nov. 16 8:00am | Payson High School | Mark Middlebrook from Mountainland Applied Technology College, Snow College President Gary Carlston, and Kyle Reyes from the Office of the President at Utah Valley University will speak at an assembly |
| Monday, Nov. 16 10:30am | Ben Lomond High School | Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell will help students as they fill out college applications |
| Monday, Nov. 16 8:00am | Parowan High School | Southern Utah University President Scott Wyatt will speak at an assembly |
| Thursday, Nov. 19 8:30am | Canyon View High School | Southern Utah University President Scott Wyatt will speak at an assembly |
About Utah College Application Week (UCAW)
UCAW is coordinated by the Utah System of Higher Education and is part of the American College Application Campaign (a national initiative of the American Council on Education). For more about Utah College Application Week, visit StepUpUtah.com.
