PROVO — Thousands from all over the United States and more than 10 foreign countries will flock to the campus of Brigham Young University next week for the 95th annual BYU Education Week.
"At this point we have people (registered) from 49 of 50 states and 11 foreign countries. In 2016, we had people attend from all 50 states and 18 foreign countries," said H. Bruce Payne, program administrator.
The five-day event features a devotional with a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and more than 1,000 classes taught by over 200 presenters on various topics, ranging from marriage, health and finance to personal development, technology and gospel subjects. The classes are designed to appeal to young and old, male and female, married or single. Children under age 14, including babies, are not permitted.
"Presenters who are passionate about what they teach, combined with attendees who want to learn about the topic, makes for a great dynamic," Payne said. "There is something for everyone."
The theme for this year comes from Doctrine and Covenants section 50, verse 24: "He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light."
The 2017 class schedule is available for free on a mobile app called "BYU Continuing Education." The app allows users to build a list of favorite classes, although all classes are first-come, first-seated.
The public is invited to hear Elder Lynn G. Robbins, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, speak in Tuesday's devotional in the Marriott Center at 11 a.m.
The event will feature musical performances each evening from Tuesday to Friday. Performers include Brigadoon, acclaimed vocalists Dallyn Vail Bayles and Sandra Turley, and the American Piano Quartet. Ticket information is accessible at edweek.byu.edu.
A dance for young men and young women, ages 14-18, is planned for Thursday evening.
Those attending BYU Education Week will also have the chance to tour the newly expanded Provo Missionary Training Center. Free ticket information is available at edweek.byu.edu/mtctour.
In addition, attendees will have the chance to attend various BYU athletic events, take tours in the BYU Museum of Art (Tuesday to Friday at 12:10 p.m.) and attend a special screening of the Japanese film "Sweet Bean" in room 250 of the Spencer W. Kimball Tower on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
BYU Education Week began in 1922. Its purpose is to bless and enrich lives, program administrators wrote in the class schedule booklet:
"As you attend classes, we encourage you to seek the light that God provides, allowing it to fill your heart and mind as well as increase your desire to be one who 'continueth in God.' ... We are confident that as you attend the program and benefit from the resources and atmosphere of Brigham Young University, you will have a rewarding and uplifting experience."
To learn more about BYU Education Week and its activities, including registration and fees, visit educationweek.byu.edu.