Why it matters:
A proposed grant program would create more “catalyst centers” across Utah, giving high school students hands-on experience in high-demand career fields while partnering with local businesses.
The big picture:
House Bill 447 aims to replicate the success of the Davis Catalyst Center, where students are already securing high-paying jobs straight out of high school.
“I met two high school seniors in the computer science program who have already secured $80,000-a-year positions with local companies,” Speaker Mike Schultz says. “They spend several hours each day working on real-world challenges that go far beyond the confines of a typical classroom.”
By the numbers:
- Students can earn immediate employment
- Starting salaries reaching $80,000 for some graduates
- Multiple hours of daily hands-on experience
How it works:
The bill would establish a grant program for schools to create their own catalyst programs, focusing on:
- Work-based learning experiences
- High-skill, high-demand career pathways
- Partnerships with local industry and business organizations
Between the lines:
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that traditional education models don’t serve all students equally. “Education is not one-size-fits-all,” Schultz notes. “These students are stepping directly into the workforce with practical skills and innovative thinking.”
The bottom line:
“Let’s invest in our kids and put them in the driver’s seat for success after graduation,” Schultz says.
