House Resolution #2

OPPORTUNITY FOR UTAH EDUCATION

Sponsored by: Anika Kronmiller

A RESOLUTION OF THE UTAH INTERCOLLEGIATE ASSEMBLY TO THE UTAH STATE LEGISLATURE AND THE UTAH STATE BOARD OF REGENTS REQUIRING ALL UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE OF UTAH TO PROVIDE A PROGRAM THAT RECRUITS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THAT ARE DEPRIVED OF OPPORTUNITY AND FUNDS REQUIRED FOR A HIGHER EDUCATION, THROUGH ADAPTATION OF EXISTING PROGRAMS, MODELED AFTER THAT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM, THUS ENABLING THOSE WHO LACK OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE A POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

WHEREAS, 73% of children that are raised in social service care do not attend

higher education facilities and;

WHEREAS, economically deprived youth tend to feel inferior, and incapable of ascending to the university level;

WHEREAS, societal pressures prohibit most youth who come from lower economic backgrounds from progressing beyond a secondary level of education;

WHEREAS, the academic and domestic environment surrounding these students often fails to provide the encouragement and discipline necessary to instill the skills and confidence needed to excel scholastically;

WHEREAS, students from lower economic backgrounds lack the provisions rather than the preparation to be successful at obtaining an opportunity for a post-secondary education;

WHEREAS, these students often have abilities and skills which a GPA cannot reflect, but which would enable them to be successful at the college level;

WHEREAS, the adaptation of existing programs should encompass the following:

• recommended minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5
• eligible for financial aid
• desire to pursue a post-secondary education
• work requirement of 15-20 hours/week within the program itself
• proven dependability, flexibility, capability of handling responsibility

WHEREAS, acceptance into the program should encompass the following :

• progressive desires and work ethic
• proven academic skills that accumulated above a satisfactory level during secondary education
• past student involvement experience
• participation in organized bodies outside of school

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Utah Intercollegiate Assembly that all Utah colleges and universities join in this effort to curb a pre-determined attitude that presumes youth of lower economic status will not be able to compete at a post secondary level by providing opportunities much like the University of Utah Ambassador program.