Utah Valley University (UVU), Mountainland Technical College (MTECH), and regional school districts convened their annual K-16 Alliance Counselor Conference on March 10 at UVU’s Sorensen Center.
Utah Valley University (UVU), Mountainland Technical College (MTECH), and regional school districts convened their annual K-16 Alliance Counselor Conference on March 10 at UVU’s Sorensen Center. The event focused on strengthening collaboration among educational and employment counselors so they feel better supported in their roles and can, in turn, provide stronger support to the students they serve.
The conference provided much-needed support and collaboration for counselors in the secondary, post-secondary, and workplace spheres. Individual counselors in Utah typically oversee a group of 300-375 students, a statistic that well exceeds the national recommended ratio of 250 students per counselor.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions tailored to their professional roles, focusing on strategies to guide students in career decision-making and workforce readiness. The conference featured keynote speaker James Lawrence, known as the "Iron Cowboy," who shared relevant insights on resilience and leadership, under the theme of “Stronger Together.” The theme applied directly to the purposes of the conference by highlighting the strength and resiliency that can come from counselors across different sectors collaborating.
Counselors support students with FAFSA, enrollment, pathways, and credit transfer, but they are also frequently asked to take on responsibilities that extend far beyond both administrative and academic advising. These added expectations often include helping students navigate personal crises, addressing mental‑health‑related concerns, providing basic social‑emotional support, and connecting students and their parents with community resources.
“We are intentional about the professional development that we’re bringing, and we want it to be a positive experience from every angle,” said K-16 Alliance Executive Director Sam Jarman. “This conference is really about providing the information, tools, and resources that connect our secondary partners with our post‑secondary institutions and the Department of Workforce Services. When those connections are strong, counselors are better equipped to support students — from the moment they enter high school to the point where they’re launching careers and earning salaries.”
Considered one of the most collaborative regions in Utah, the Mountainland Region includes Utah, Summit, and Wasatch Counties. The collaboration between UVU, MTECH, and regional school districts reflects a shared commitment to student success at every level. By strengthening communication and sharing resources, conference attendees enhanced their connections across the K–16 system, ensuring students receive comprehensive guidance throughout their educational journey.
