Utah Adopt-A-School

A Gov. Cox initiative to help businesses support education and workforce development

In December 2021, Utah’s unemployment rate was at 1.9%, the lowest in its history. Though this points to economic stability, it also creates some economic hardships. Utah is facing its most significant labor shortage, with 75,000 jobs in the state unfilled across all industries.

But there is a silver lining. The growing need for skilled and talented labor presents an opportunity for state agencies, education systems and industry leaders to work collectively to develop effective workforce solutions that close the talent gap and support a strong economy.

In February, Gov. Cox announced Utah’s Adopt-A-School program, inviting Utah businesses to invest and engage in student learning in K-12 schools statewide. Utah’s Adopt-A-School program will contribute to developing a skilled labor force while growing Utah’s talent pool. Additionally, the program will help address equitable access to opportunities for all Utah students.

This new statewide initiative will connect businesses to schools where goals, resources, and needs align. Overseen by Talent Ready Utah and powered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, Utah Adopt-A-School promotes increased collaboration around established frameworks. The program facilitates student success and advocates for agencies, nonprofits, foundations, and businesses whose benchmark partnerships set the stage for potential collaborations and measurable impacts statewide.

As the state’s labor market continues to tighten, we acknowledge the talent pipeline begins with young students as early as kindergarten. Multiple factors influence a child’s success in the classroom, including access to future education and employment opportunities. For Utah businesses seeking to diversify their workforce and grow their talent pool, it’s imperative to invest in the future of Utah’s youth.

Real-world experience is critical to effective learning. Experiences that provide students a space to engage, interact, and discover help them learn in practical terms. Often referred to as work-based learning, these opportunities allow students to connect with businesses, discover their own talents and interests, and grow in skill sets and knowledge. Employers can create a space to mentor and prepare students for future education and employment opportunities through hands-on learning while generating a pool of interest and talent to meet workforce needs.

Other ways Utah businesses can support youth include access to food, shelter, healthcare, internet, electronic equipment, transportation, mentorship, and more. All Utah students should have their basic needs met, regardless of socioeconomic status and without creating and reinforcing unequal access to opportunities.

With a community focus around removing barriers that prevent success in education and connecting classroom learning to the real world, we can begin to close the talent gap in Utah’s labor force, increase workforce diversity, and lift individuals and families from difficult socioeconomic circumstances. By supporting enhanced learning and ensuring students have access to the necessities they’re entitled to, businesses around the state can create pathways that lead all students to rewarding and sustainable futures.

To learn more about Utah Adopt-A-School, visit UtahAdoptASchool.org.