If you glance at the Utah state flag, you’ll see a beehive, a symbol of productivity, cooperation and the belief that when people work together with a shared purpose, everyone wins. These values have long defined Utah, and today they guide how the state prepares its young people for the future.
A common question for high school graduates is, “What comes next?” College costs keep rising, career paths feel less certain and too many students leave high school without a clear plan. That uncertainty doesn’t just affect families; it affects Utah’s workforce, economy and long-term prosperity.
Between 2021 and 2031, Utah is projected to see roughly 230,000 job openings each year, most of which will require education or training beyond a high school diploma. When students graduate without direction, Utah loses talent, families lose time and money, and employers struggle to fill good-paying jobs already available here in the Beehive State. Families don’t need a one-size-fits-all approach; they need options that reflect the many ways success can be achieved.
That’s why Utah’s First Credential Program matters.
Last year, Utah expanded a career pathways pilot program into the First Credential Program, a step designed to ensure students leave high school with more than a diploma.
The program helps ensure students don’t just graduate; they graduate with options, momentum and a plan. Instead of forcing every student down a single path, the First Credential Program gives Utah students the opportunity to explore careers early, earn credentials employers recognize, and build skills that translate directly into jobs or further education. Whether a student chooses college, technical training, industry certifications or apprenticeships, families can select the path that fits best without wasted time or unnecessary debt.
Here’s what that looks like in practice. Students can earn stackable credentials, meaning a certification earned in high school can lead directly to employment while also counting toward advanced certifications or a college degree later. Others may choose an apprenticeship, combining paid, hands-on work experience with classroom learning. Together, these pathways help students gain real-world experience, understand employer expectations and build confidence before they ever walk across the graduation stage. That impact is already being felt: during the 2024–2025 school year, more than 61,000 Utah high school students earned college credit.
For parents and students, this means:
- Lower college costs through concurrent enrollment and early credits
- Clearer career direction before tuition bills pile up
- Confidence that credentials earned in high school actually matter
For students, it means graduating with experience, confidence and proof they are ready for the workforce or college-level work.
Utah taxpayers benefit as well. Students who leave high school with meaningful credentials are more likely to find employment, earn higher wages and contribute to the economy sooner. That means fewer wasted education dollars, less student debt and a stronger return on public investment.
Employers also gain a reliable pipeline of young workers who already possess validated skills and an understanding of workplace expectations. Businesses aren’t bystanders in this process; they help shape credentials to ensure they align with real hiring needs.
The First Credential Program reflects Utah at its best: practical, forward-thinking and focused on results. It supports students with diverse goals, strengthens families and helps ensure Utah’s economy remains competitive without leaving anyone behind. By bringing together real-world experience and purposeful education, it empowers Utahns with opportunity and builds lasting momentum for the next chapter ahead.