Encouraging Utah women to value higher education

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The female college graduation rate in Utah is significantly lagging behind its national counterparts, the national average being 57 percent while Utah averages only 49 percent. UVU trails behind at 43 percent.

The Utah Women and Education Project (UWEP) has been investigating this issue, reviewing relevant literature and studying the results from their own research. While the research and policy briefs they published in January and May of 2010 elucidated the content of existing literature, they are ready to share the results of their own original studies.

The Utah Women and Education Summit, to be held on Friday, Nov. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in SC 206, will reveal the findings of their research, which is specific to Utah women. UWEP Director Susan Madsen will be the primary presenter, with further presentations given by WEP staff.

“The summit is meant to inform the general public and those involved in higher education,” said UWEP Coordinator Nicolle Johnson. “It will disseminate the results of our primary data and provide insight into our findings, which were not previously available.”

Most importantly, dialogue will be instigated regarding the steps necessary to transform research into action. Additionally, the full-length articles, scheduled to be released in the spring, will include the primary research data and its implications for Utah women.

To attend the summit costs $25. Those interested in registering and keeping up to date with UWEP events and research can visit their website at www.UVU.edu/wep or their blog at www.WomenandEducationProject.Blogspot.com