CUMU Conference 2019

The Office of Engagement at the University of Utah is working with Continuing Education to build a cohesive, continuous, and accessible pathway of K-16 programs, engaging K-16 students and their families. Presenters will discuss programs housed within the Office of Engagement, share both successes and challenges on their journey to normalize the college-going process for all students and in particular students from low income, first generation, and/or underrepresented backgrounds. The Office of Engagement has created cohesive programming and resources that give the students a strong sense of belonging, which in turn show the student that higher education is a realistic option and can become a very successful venture. The presenters will focus on two of the pathway programs, the First Star Academy and the Utah College Advising Corps. First Star improves the lives of foster youth by partnering with child welfare agencies, universities, and school districts to ensure foster youth have the academic, life skills, and adult supports needed to successfully transition to higher education and adulthood. We pursue our mission through innovative college-preparatory programs, providing technical assistance to stakeholders, and advocating for policy change. The Utah College Advising Corps, a University of Utah program that, for over a decade, has successfully helped students navigate the process of getting into college. This program has been in 12 Utah high schools since 2007 and has demonstrated effectiveness in improving college enrollment and college graduation rates. This program is in the first phase of a state-wide expansion.