Blog / Diversity in Utah Data Book
By Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, University of Utah | Posted October 31, 2025
In the following video, presented by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Associate Dean and Director Natalie Gochnour, we introduce the six key transitions reshaping the state’s economic and demographic landscape to emphasize the need for collective action and visionary leadership, urging decision-makers to embrace openness, inclusivity, and increased investment.
The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute specializes in Utah demographics and the Utah economy. When community leaders, under the sponsorship of Zions Bank, asked us to prepare a repository of indicators by race, ethnicity, and sex, we accepted the challenge.
This report provides data and information to help state and community leaders make progress in their equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Gov. Spencer Cox’s One Utah Roadmap, the Utah Legislature’s policies to extend opportunity to all, and business and community leaders’ Utah Compact on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provide three significant examples in the past year of Utah’s commitment. The data and context provided in this report shed light on existing disparities; help people understand the complexities of these measures; and help provide a starting point for future progress.
Boosting educational attainment, reducing persistent gaps, and ensuring alignment with workforce demands can help expand opportunity and sustain Utah’s economic momentum.
Maintaining Utah’s economic strength requires a skilled workforce prepared for an evolving economy. As most jobs call for education beyond high school, increasing postsecondary attainment and aligning credentials with workforce needs will be key to increasing Utah’s talent pipeline.
To better understand where opportunities exist for aligning education with workforce demands, this report: (1) projects future workforce needs, emphasizing the importance of postsecondary credentials for stable, higher-wage jobs; (2) examines current degree and certificate completions, highlighting the share that align with in-demand fields; and (3) analyzes educational attainment differences, estimating the additional skilled workers Utah could gain by closing gaps.
We’re excited to announce our 2025-2026 Work-Based Learning Webinar Series:
“Telling the Story – Utah Work-Based Learning” 🎉
This 7-part training series is designed exclusively for Utah’s WBL community and will provide:
✅ Tips and strategies to strengthen your program
✅ Tools and resources to support high-quality implementation
✅ Fresh ideas for telling your WBL story in schools, communities, and with industry partners
Whether you’re new to Work-Based Learning or a seasoned coordinator, these sessions will give you practical takeaways and a chance to connect with peers statewide.
📅 The series runs throughout the year – join us live or catch the recordings if you can’t make every session. If you would like a calendar invite for ALL 7 webinars, please fill out the following Google Form:
We will also send out the Zoom link for each webinar on the Monday before the scheduled event.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and share the impact of Utah’s WBL programs.
Monthly Pre-Operational School Training (training provided through a grant from the Utah State Charter School Board)
To equip newly approved charter school boards and directors with essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance and operational readiness. The training aims to provide comprehensive guidance on legal obligations, governance best practices, financial management, and strategic planning, preparing participants to confidently navigate the pre-operational phase and lay a solid foundation for successful school launch and operation.
Eric Himle 3:45pm – 4:45pm
|
Secondary Pathway Coordinators,
WHO: School administrators, prevention staff, behavior specialists, school counselors, social workers, teachers, school mentors, and staff who work directly with students.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (MST)
Third Thursday of each month from August 2025 to June 2026.
WHERE: Virtual Zoom Meeting
ACTION: 2025-2026 Prevention and Student Services Webinar Series Zoom Registration Link
INFORMATION: For additional information contact the Prevention Team (prevention@schools.utah.
The prevention specialists at USBE are now working together on all prevention related matters. Please send any prevention related requests to prevention@schools.utah.gov
For all training requests, please use the Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP).
Monthly Pre-Operational School Training (training provided through a grant from the Utah State Charter School Board)
To equip newly approved charter school boards and directors with essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance and operational readiness. The training aims to provide comprehensive guidance on legal obligations, governance best practices, financial management, and strategic planning, preparing participants to confidently navigate the pre-operational phase and lay a solid foundation for successful school launch and operation.
WHO: School administrators, prevention staff, behavior specialists, school counselors, social workers, teachers, school mentors, and staff who work directly with students.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (MST)
Third Thursday of each month from August 2025 to June 2026.
WHERE: Virtual Zoom Meeting
ACTION: 2025-2026 Prevention and Student Services Webinar Series Zoom Registration Link
INFORMATION: For additional information contact the Prevention Team (prevention@schools.utah.
The prevention specialists at USBE are now working together on all prevention related matters. Please send any prevention related requests to prevention@schools.utah.gov
For all training requests, please use the Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP).
Please save the dates for this year’s WFN Region Meetings. We’ll be meeting on the third Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Davis School District offices in Layton. The address is 2195 University Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041. The CTE Office is located on the east side of the building in Suite 103.
Below are the scheduled meeting dates.
Upcoming Region Meeting Lunches
Looking forward to another year of collaboration!
-Rachelle Ackley
Eric Himle 3:45pm – 4:45pm
|
We’re excited to announce our 2025-2026 Work-Based Learning Webinar Series:
“Telling the Story – Utah Work-Based Learning” 🎉
This 7-part training series is designed exclusively for Utah’s WBL community and will provide:
✅ Tips and strategies to strengthen your program
✅ Tools and resources to support high-quality implementation
✅ Fresh ideas for telling your WBL story in schools, communities, and with industry partners
Whether you’re new to Work-Based Learning or a seasoned coordinator, these sessions will give you practical takeaways and a chance to connect with peers statewide.
📅 The series runs throughout the year – join us live or catch the recordings if you can’t make every session. If you would like a calendar invite for ALL 7 webinars, please fill out the following Google Form:
We will also send out the Zoom link for each webinar on the Monday before the scheduled event.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and share the impact of Utah’s WBL programs.
Monthly Pre-Operational School Training (training provided through a grant from the Utah State Charter School Board)
To equip newly approved charter school boards and directors with essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance and operational readiness. The training aims to provide comprehensive guidance on legal obligations, governance best practices, financial management, and strategic planning, preparing participants to confidently navigate the pre-operational phase and lay a solid foundation for successful school launch and operation.
I, along with Travis Cook, will be hosting an Interim Review Summit for all charter schools with approved programs undergoing an Interim review this year. You and your school counseling team are invited to attend. Please note that administrators are not required or expected to attend. This summit will cover your Interim Review requirement. You will need to bring your latest program review self-evaluation and your principal/school counselor agreement.
The meeting will take place at USBE on February 13, 2026, from 8:00 am to noon. Attendance is optional, but it can be used to fulfill your Interim Review requirement. (If you have other school counselors on your team, and they aren’t on this email, please forward this to them).
Please RSVP so that I can get a head count.
Thanks!
Bethany
Eric Himle 3:45pm – 4:45pm
|
WHO: School administrators, prevention staff, behavior specialists, school counselors, social workers, teachers, school mentors, and staff who work directly with students.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (MST)
Third Thursday of each month from August 2025 to June 2026.
WHERE: Virtual Zoom Meeting
ACTION: 2025-2026 Prevention and Student Services Webinar Series Zoom Registration Link
INFORMATION: For additional information contact the Prevention Team (prevention@schools.utah.
The prevention specialists at USBE are now working together on all prevention related matters. Please send any prevention related requests to prevention@schools.utah.gov
For all training requests, please use the Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP).
Please save the dates for this year’s WFN Region Meetings. We’ll be meeting on the third Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Davis School District offices in Layton. The address is 2195 University Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041. The CTE Office is located on the east side of the building in Suite 103.
Below are the scheduled meeting dates.
Upcoming Region Meeting Lunches
Looking forward to another year of collaboration!
-Rachelle Ackley
|
|
We’re excited to announce our 2025-2026 Work-Based Learning Webinar Series:
“Telling the Story – Utah Work-Based Learning” 🎉
This 7-part training series is designed exclusively for Utah’s WBL community and will provide:
✅ Tips and strategies to strengthen your program
✅ Tools and resources to support high-quality implementation
✅ Fresh ideas for telling your WBL story in schools, communities, and with industry partners
Whether you’re new to Work-Based Learning or a seasoned coordinator, these sessions will give you practical takeaways and a chance to connect with peers statewide.
📅 The series runs throughout the year – join us live or catch the recordings if you can’t make every session. If you would like a calendar invite for ALL 7 webinars, please fill out the following Google Form:
We will also send out the Zoom link for each webinar on the Monday before the scheduled event.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and share the impact of Utah’s WBL programs.
Good morning,
You have been recommended to contribute your insights and professional expertise to the USBE School Counseling Advisory Committee. This committee brings together school counselors, administrators, and CTE Specialists from across the state to collaborate on school counseling-related initiatives.
The committee will meet twice this year via Zoom. Please review the dates and times below and let me know if you are interested in participating.
Meeting Dates and Times:
I look forward to the opportunity to work together and value the perspective you bring to this important work.
Kind regards,
Bethany
Eric Himle 3:45pm – 4:45pm
|
All meetings are held in-person at Murray High School’s Spartan Cove, which is next to the Main Office. We begin at 7:30 am and wrap up by 8:30 am.
Each meeting will also have a Zoom Link to participate remotely if needed. Each meeting will be recorded and summarized and minutes will be sent out for followup.
We are grateful to Murray High School and their willingness to host our Board Meetings. Thank you to Chantel and her team for making that a possibility!
Zoom Link: https://slcc-edu.zoom.us/j/
The agenda will go as follows:
1 – Welcome/Introductions
The question this week will be “Mountains or Beach or Desert or Backyard”
2 – Dr. Nate Thomas presentation on Resilience
3 – Review any To-Do Items
Mission
Shared Calendar for Events
Grants from IH?
4 – “Around the Table” sharing responses to the above questions.
5 – Next Meetings scheduled for:
November 20, 2025
January 15, 2026
March 19, 2026
May 21, 2026
And please peruse the list below for any corrections – Thank you!
Brent & Chantel
WHO: School administrators, prevention staff, behavior specialists, school counselors, social workers, teachers, school mentors, and staff who work directly with students.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (MST)
Third Thursday of each month from August 2025 to June 2026.
WHERE: Virtual Zoom Meeting
ACTION: 2025-2026 Prevention and Student Services Webinar Series Zoom Registration Link
INFORMATION: For additional information contact the Prevention Team (prevention@schools.utah.
The prevention specialists at USBE are now working together on all prevention related matters. Please send any prevention related requests to prevention@schools.utah.gov
For all training requests, please use the Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP).
Please save the dates for this year’s WFN Region Meetings. We’ll be meeting on the third Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Davis School District offices in Layton. The address is 2195 University Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041. The CTE Office is located on the east side of the building in Suite 103.
Below are the scheduled meeting dates.
Upcoming Region Meeting Lunches
Looking forward to another year of collaboration!
-Rachelle Ackley
We’re excited to announce our 2025-2026 Work-Based Learning Webinar Series:
“Telling the Story – Utah Work-Based Learning” 🎉
This 7-part training series is designed exclusively for Utah’s WBL community and will provide:
✅ Tips and strategies to strengthen your program
✅ Tools and resources to support high-quality implementation
✅ Fresh ideas for telling your WBL story in schools, communities, and with industry partners
Whether you’re new to Work-Based Learning or a seasoned coordinator, these sessions will give you practical takeaways and a chance to connect with peers statewide.
📅 The series runs throughout the year – join us live or catch the recordings if you can’t make every session. If you would like a calendar invite for ALL 7 webinars, please fill out the following Google Form:
We will also send out the Zoom link for each webinar on the Monday before the scheduled event.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and share the impact of Utah’s WBL programs.
WHO: School administrators, prevention staff, behavior specialists, school counselors, social workers, teachers, school mentors, and staff who work directly with students.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (MST)
Third Thursday of each month from August 2025 to June 2026.
WHERE: Virtual Zoom Meeting
ACTION: 2025-2026 Prevention and Student Services Webinar Series Zoom Registration Link
INFORMATION: For additional information contact the Prevention Team (prevention@schools.utah.
The prevention specialists at USBE are now working together on all prevention related matters. Please send any prevention related requests to prevention@schools.utah.gov
For all training requests, please use the Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP).
Please save the dates for this year’s WFN Region Meetings. We’ll be meeting on the third Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Davis School District offices in Layton. The address is 2195 University Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041. The CTE Office is located on the east side of the building in Suite 103.
Below are the scheduled meeting dates.
Upcoming Region Meeting Lunches
Looking forward to another year of collaboration!
-Rachelle Ackley
Eric Himle 3:45pm – 4:45pm
|
We’re excited to announce our 2025-2026 Work-Based Learning Webinar Series:
“Telling the Story – Utah Work-Based Learning” 🎉
This 7-part training series is designed exclusively for Utah’s WBL community and will provide:
✅ Tips and strategies to strengthen your program
✅ Tools and resources to support high-quality implementation
✅ Fresh ideas for telling your WBL story in schools, communities, and with industry partners
Whether you’re new to Work-Based Learning or a seasoned coordinator, these sessions will give you practical takeaways and a chance to connect with peers statewide.
📅 The series runs throughout the year – join us live or catch the recordings if you can’t make every session. If you would like a calendar invite for ALL 7 webinars, please fill out the following Google Form:
We will also send out the Zoom link for each webinar on the Monday before the scheduled event.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, grow, and share the impact of Utah’s WBL programs.
Utah HOSA advisors are invited to participate in Operation Outbreak, an interactive, app-based simulation developed by the Broad Institute in collaboration with Harvard and MIT. These simulations will be held the mornings of May 14th and 15th, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and immerse students in the fast-paced challenges of managing an infectious disease outbreak. Using a mobile app, participants take on key roles—such as government leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health officials—and must collaborate to contain the spread of a virtual pathogen.
Through this experience, students gain a deeper understanding of epidemiology, decision-making, teamwork, media, economics, socio-economic status, and the interdependence between science, policy, and healthcare. Every action affects others, highlighting how cooperation and communication drive real-world outbreak response. Operation Outbreak transforms complex public health concepts into an exciting, hands-on learning experience that connects directly to HOSA’s mission of preparing future health leaders.
Our team will provide advisors with clear preparation materials and support to ensure students are ready to participate and make the most of this unique event.
We’d love for your chapter to join us!
Simulations: May 14th and 15th
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Duration: 90 minutes of simulation plus preparation and debrief
To participate or learn more, please complete the following survey soon, as space is limited!
Survey Link: https://forms.gle/
Utah HOSA advisors are invited to participate in Operation Outbreak, an interactive, app-based simulation developed by the Broad Institute in collaboration with Harvard and MIT. These simulations will be held the mornings of May 14th and 15th, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and immerse students in the fast-paced challenges of managing an infectious disease outbreak. Using a mobile app, participants take on key roles—such as government leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health officials—and must collaborate to contain the spread of a virtual pathogen.
Through this experience, students gain a deeper understanding of epidemiology, decision-making, teamwork, media, economics, socio-economic status, and the interdependence between science, policy, and healthcare. Every action affects others, highlighting how cooperation and communication drive real-world outbreak response. Operation Outbreak transforms complex public health concepts into an exciting, hands-on learning experience that connects directly to HOSA’s mission of preparing future health leaders.
Our team will provide advisors with clear preparation materials and support to ensure students are ready to participate and make the most of this unique event.
We’d love for your chapter to join us!
Simulations: May 14th and 15th
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Duration: 90 minutes of simulation plus preparation and debrief
To participate or learn more, please complete the following survey soon, as space is limited!
Survey Link: https://forms.gle/
Please save the dates for this year’s WFN Region Meetings. We’ll be meeting on the third Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Davis School District offices in Layton. The address is 2195 University Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041. The CTE Office is located on the east side of the building in Suite 103.
Below are the scheduled meeting dates.
Upcoming Region Meeting Lunches
Looking forward to another year of collaboration!
-Rachelle Ackley
Eric Himle 3:45pm – 4:45pm
|
All meetings are held in-person at Murray High School’s Spartan Cove, which is next to the Main Office. We begin at 7:30 am and wrap up by 8:30 am.
Each meeting will also have a Zoom Link to participate remotely if needed. Each meeting will be recorded and summarized and minutes will be sent out for followup.
We are grateful to Murray High School and their willingness to host our Board Meetings. Thank you to Chantel and her team for making that a possibility!
Zoom Link: https://slcc-edu.zoom.us/j/
The agenda will go as follows:
1 – Welcome/Introductions
The question this week will be “Mountains or Beach or Desert or Backyard”
2 – Dr. Nate Thomas presentation on Resilience
3 – Review any To-Do Items
Mission
Shared Calendar for Events
Grants from IH?
4 – “Around the Table” sharing responses to the above questions.
5 – Next Meetings scheduled for:
November 20, 2025
January 15, 2026
March 19, 2026
May 21, 2026
And please peruse the list below for any corrections – Thank you!
Brent & Chantel
WHO: School administrators, prevention staff, behavior specialists, school counselors, social workers, teachers, school mentors, and staff who work directly with students.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (MST)
Third Thursday of each month from August 2025 to June 2026.
WHERE: Virtual Zoom Meeting
ACTION: 2025-2026 Prevention and Student Services Webinar Series Zoom Registration Link
INFORMATION: For additional information contact the Prevention Team (prevention@schools.utah.
The prevention specialists at USBE are now working together on all prevention related matters. Please send any prevention related requests to prevention@schools.utah.gov
For all training requests, please use the Student Services Training Request Portal (TRP).
Please save the dates for this year’s WFN Region Meetings. We’ll be meeting on the third Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 PM at the Davis School District offices in Layton. The address is 2195 University Park Blvd, Layton, UT 84041. The CTE Office is located on the east side of the building in Suite 103.
Below are the scheduled meeting dates.
Upcoming Region Meeting Lunches
Looking forward to another year of collaboration!
-Rachelle Ackley