Navigating college can be an overwhelming experience, especially for students who are uncertain about their academic path. Changing majors or taking unnecessary classes can be costly and delay graduation.

Entrepreneur Steve Lockhart understands this challenge firsthand. As a Utah Valley University (UVU) alumni, Lockhart faced academic uncertainty during his own college journey, changing majors three times before finding his path. This personal experience inspired him to create Skillco, a career and academic planning platform partnered with UVU to help students make informed decisions when pursuing their education. Skillco aligns coursework with real-world job opportunities and the necessary skills learned in those courses, ensuring students stay on track toward meaningful careers.

Lockhart's connection to UVU runs deep. His time at the university shaped his perspective on the importance of personalized academic guidance. Reflecting on his own struggles, Lockhart recognized a gap in higher education, including a lack of tools to connect students' education with their career aspirations. “I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and unsure about your academic path,” Lockhart shared. “UVU gave me the support I needed to persist, and that’s what Skillco aims to provide for today’s students.”

According to the Education Data Initiative, 23.3% of all first-time, full-time freshmen drop out of college, with uncertainty being a key factor. Academic uncertainty doesn’t just impact students but also employers who struggle to find graduates with the right skills. Skillco addresses this challenge by offering an easy approach to academic and career planning. By integrating career data, career readiness assessments, and UVU courses, Lockhart’s mission is to assist with career success at UVU.

"Too many students enter college without a clear direction," Lockhart explained. "And those without a defined path are six times more likely to drop out." His firsthand experience as a UVU student underscores the importance of clear guidance and mentorship in overcoming these obstacles.

Skillco provides students with details about more than 750 careers, including salary expectations, industry growth rates, and required skill sets. It connects these careers to specific UVU programs, allowing students to see how their coursework directly impacts their career path. This innovative approach ensures that businesses can feel confident hiring graduates trained in the exact skills required for their industry.

Students using Skillco start by exploring career options based on their interests and strengths. They receive a career readiness score based on their knowledge and coursework, helping them understand how prepared they are for their specific field. The platform matches them with the most beneficial programs, ensuring they select the necessary courses.

For example, a student dreaming of becoming a marketing manager can use Skillco to see a breakdown of salary expectations, job growth projections, and key skills needed. The platform then outlines the exact courses at UVU that will help develop those skills. This clarity eliminates guesswork and unnecessary coursework while increasing student confidence.

“We want students to feel confident in their education choices,” Lockhart said. “When they have a clear path, they’re far more likely to stay engaged, persist, and ultimately graduate with a degree that leads to a fulfilling career.”

Beyond academic guidance, Skillco matches UVU’s values of exceptional care and creating a place for each student. Lockhart emphasizes that students are more likely to thrive when they feel supported — a lesson he learned during his time at UVU. He credits mentors at the university for challenging him and believing in his vision for Skillco.

“I have a couple of mentors at UVU who believed in the idea,” Lockhart shared. “Their support helped me break into the right conversations with university leaders and career services.” These connections were instrumental in launching Skillco and aligning it with UVU’s mission.

Skillco is not just a tool for UVU students; it’s also a solution for Utah’s workforce and economy. By guiding students toward in-demand careers and equipping them with necessary skills, it strengthens the job market and ensures that employers can find qualified employees.

As Lockhart stated, “When students have the right tools and guidance, they’re more likely to stay engaged, graduate on time, and step into careers that truly fit them.” His journey from uncertain UVU student to successful entrepreneur exemplifies how personalized support can transform lives — and now he’s paying it forward through Skillco.