Higher Ed Briefing: Upskilling and Reskilling Adult Learners for Utah’s Post-pandemic Workforce

Check this page at 11:30 a.m., MT, on Monday, April 26, for a virtual briefing on the recent legislation.

If you would like to connect with any of our panelists for media availability or more information, please email publicrelations@wgu.edu.

Did you know that Utah, with a median age of 31, has the youngest adult population in the United States? This is just one of the factors that point to the need for more adult learning options for Utahns who seek postsecondary education but are balancing work, families, and other life events. In fact, more than 370,000 Utahns have some college but no degree—a critical segment that needs to upskill and reskill to advance in their careers and support our workforce needs. 

The recent legislative session produced pivotal initiatives aimed at increasing adult learning options and expanding access to state-based financial aid, while also resulting in WGU pledging $1 million in matching funding to support adult learners.  To provide more context on how recent legislation and new initiatives will support students in Utah, WGU has partnered with leaders from the state for a virtual briefing at 11:30 a.m. MT, on Monday, April 26.  

Panelists include:

Commissioner Dave Woolstenhulme, Utah System of Higher Education
Nina Barnes, Vice Chair, Utah System of Higher Education
Representative Lowry Snow (R-St. George)
Israel Sanchez, Western Governors University student