Education
The Gardner Institute employs a senior education analyst and a team of demographers and economists knowledgeable about Utah’s education policies and economy. We also benefit from an Education Advisory Council that guides our research agenda and supports the development of an education policy practice area. Our focus includes K-12 and higher education research, analysis, and reporting related to education policies, Utah demographics, public finance, and the economy.
Featured Research
Fact Sheet: Early Literacy in Utah
Reading proficiency in the early grades plays a critical role in Utah students’ academic trajectories and future opportunities. This fact sheet highlights current early literacy outcomes and evidence on what improves reading success.
The Future is Watching: Understanding Utah’s Early Literacy Landscape
Nearly half of Utah’s current young students do not read at grade level. Research shows that this can be improved with evidence-based instruction and coordinated support.
Degrees of Opportunity: Aligning Education and Workforce for Utah’s Prosperity
Boosting educational attainment, reducing persistent gaps, and ensuring alignment with workforce demands can help expand opportunity and sustain Utah’s economic momentum.
Educational Achievement and Workforce Development: A Review of Community-Based Approaches
Community-based partnerships engage parents and families and align schools, service providers, and communities around shared goals and outcomes; when designed and implemented effectively, they offer a promising way to improve education, health, and economic opportunity for Utah youth.
The Economic Contribution of Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University strengthens Utah's Southwest Economic Region and statewide economies through high-quality education; institutional, student, and visitor spending; and broad societal benefits.
The Economic Contribution of Utah State University
Utah State University strengthens Utah’s economy through high-quality education; research and innovation; institutional, student, and visitor spending; and broad societal benefits.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Student Aid in Utah
Students enrolled at Utah postsecondary institutions received about 350,000 federal student aid awards totaling $1.6 billion in the 2022-23 school year.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Federal Public Education Funding in Utah
Utah’s FY 2026 state budget includes about $600 million in federal funds for public education, which makes up about 7% of the state’s total public education budget.
Utah’s Regional Universities: Definition, Benefits, and Reach
Regional universities offer a wide range of open admissions programs, including academic, career, and technical education, undergraduate associate and baccalaureate programs, and select graduate programs.
Utah/Federal Government Nexus Data Summary: Research Funding in Utah
Utah received $4.4 billion in federal research and development (R&D) funding in FY 2023. About 80% of this amount went to private businesses, 10% to higher education, and 9% to federal agencies within the state.
