Utah College Application Week began on Monday, November 10, 2014, at Timpview High School in Provo. Utah Valley University President Matthew Holland, as well as his Chief of Staff Fidel Montero, spoke to high school seniors about the importance of applying to and enrolling in college. The UVU Green Man Group performed several songs, and Willy the Wolverine, UVU’s mascot, interacted with the students, much to their delight.

“Do you want the opportunity to do something that you love every day, for the rest of your life? Then go to college,” said President Holland.

Fidel Montero, who was the first in his family to go to college, talked with students about how vital the mentors in his life were. Prodding from a mentor in high school led to his taking the ACT and enrolling in college. He attended BYU, and went on to receive his masters of education and doctorate from Columbia University.

Utah College Application Week (UCAW) events will take place November 10 – 21, 2014, in 15 districts and 49 schools across the state. Higher education leaders, partnering with K-12, will work with over 20,000 Utah high school seniors as these students apply to college during the school day. UCAW has a particular focus on first-generation and low income students, who are less likely to enroll in college.

Last school year, UCAW started as a pilot program in eight schools and three districts, and had over 2,300 students participating. Of these students, 55 percent identified as the first in their family to apply for college and, after participating in UCAW, 87 percent reported an increased interest in going to college. The Utah System of Higher Education plans to continue expanding UCAW over the next several years.