Learn & Work in Utah, a statewide program that provides tuition assistance for short-term programs at postsecondary institutions for unemployed or underemployed individuals, is continuing this fall with 10 different programs taught at Utah Valley University.
Learn & Work in Utah, a statewide program that provides tuition assistance for short-term programs at postsecondary institutions for unemployed or underemployed individuals, is continuing this fall with 10 different programs taught at Utah Valley University.
The program is a joint effort by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). The training is primarily for displaced, unemployed, or furloughed workers or those whose jobs are vulnerable due to economic conditions. However, anyone wanting to reskill and upskill may apply.
“Just participating in class discussions helped me feel more like a normal person,” said Jon Spell, who was laid off in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Spell completed the Business Data Analyst program offered at UVU and found a new position at a local software company.
“The professor was very encouraging and supportive, far beyond what I would expect from a typical college teacher. The whole class experience definitely boosted my confidence and enabled me to apply for jobs that I did not consider myself qualified for previously,” Spell said.
Since fall 2020, more than 2,500 people have applied to courses at UVU through Learn & Work in Utah, with 915 accepted. Of those people, 64% had no prior relationship with UVU, and all applicants who were unemployed at the time were accepted. The average completion rate in the top five courses offered was 88%.
“Running these programs is an intense effort, but we have been amazed — and frankly humbled — by the impact that our programs and outstanding faculty have had on the careers and lives of nearly a thousand Utah workers and their families,” said Shawn Neider, UVU director of Executive Education. “It’s been a privilege to work with GOED and USHE — we can’t say enough about them for making it all possible. Our staff is excited about providing new skill enhancement and career advancement opportunities for hundreds of new students again this year.”
This fall, Learn & Work in Utah programs offered at UVU include:
Qualified applicants are accepted and placed as they apply until the programs are filled, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply early. Applications are open now until July 30, 2021.
For more information on eligibility, requirements, course information, and how to apply, please visit the UVU Learn & Work in Utah page.
