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University of Utah’s Opportunity Scholars describe high graduation rates and local student testimonials
Summary
University of Utah representatives updated council on the Opportunity Scholars partnership with West Valley City, reporting more than 100 degrees conferred and retention/graduation rates around 85%, and multiple students testified about how scholarships and wraparound supports enabled full‑time study and campus leadership.
University of Utah staff and students briefed the West Valley City Council Oct. 28 on the Opportunity Scholars program, a partnership that provides scholarships, housing support and mentoring to West Valley students pursuing degrees at the David Eccles School of Business.
Erica Roas, director of the Office of Transformative Student Experiences, said the program — active in partnership with West Valley since 2017 — has supported more than 100 degree conferrals for West Valley students and reported a retention and graduation rate near 85% for program participants, well above national averages for first‑generation students. "In six years, we're getting our students graduated thanks to the generosity of West Valley City and our partners," she said.
Several students spoke about personal impacts: Halid said housing support allowed him to stop working full time and focus on academics; another student, Jasmine, described forming campus connections and planning to reinvest skills back into West Valley; Jennifer Aguilar Lopez said program staff helped her avoid a course withdrawal that would have delayed graduation. Roas and staff highlighted volunteer service — more than 75 students participated in a recent day of service at Centennial Park, delivering approximately 240 volunteer hours.
Council members thanked participants and had no substantive questions; staff noted the partnership’s role in workforce development and community engagement.
