Education
The Gardner Policy 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.
Economic Contribution of University of Utah Health
University of Utah Health (U of U Health) serves as the state’s only academic medical center and provides patient care for the people of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and much of Nevada. In 2019, U of U Health directly and indirectly supported 47,500 jobs, $3.0 billion in earnings, and $3.9 billion in the Utah economy. These impacts, and the services provided by the tripartite clinical, research, and academic mission, create an academic medical center that makes a profound and positive impact on people’s lives and the state of Utah.
Economic Contribution of the University of Utah
The University of Utah directly and indirectly supported 83,100 jobs, $4.6 billion in earnings, and $6.3 billion in GDP in the Utah economy in 2019, making it one of the largest economic assets in the state. The U’s direct employment of 39,300 jobs makes the U the largest employer in the state. In addition, the U’s 2019 education and patient care reach includes 32,994 students, 8,268 degrees and certificates, more than 550 buildings in 16 counties and 38 cities in Utah, and approximately two million patient visits. As an institution of higher learning, the U also imparts significant societal benefits.[...]
A Qualitative Study of Utah’s State Turnaround Program: Cohort One
The first cohort of schools that successfully exited the Utah State Turnaround Program experienced similar factors of success and share similar concerns. A concerted focus on data, positive reinforcement, collaboration, and strong leadership were chief among the factors they attributed to their success. These schools are very proud and empowered by their success, yet have concerns about sustaining the gains made without the additional resources or school leadership that adopts turnaround practices.
Utah System of Higher Education: State Aid Project
USHE commissioned the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute to assess system-wide tuition and state aid policies. This report focuses on three main topics: tuition and state aid policies, the economic impacts of nonresident students, and measuring college affordability. This comprehensive report presents a baseline analysis for further policy discussion surrounding state aid in Utah.
Preschool Development Grant, Ages Birth–Five Qualitative Deliberative Group Data to Inform State Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan for Early Childhood Services
In May and June of 2019, deliberative groups of parents and early childhood service providers in communities throughout Utah identified challenges and barriers to learning about and accessing early childhood services. Some difficulties, such as a lack of knowledge about the existence of programs, eligibility requirements, and childhood development markers, were noted in all communities. Barriers also varied by community, such as the need for language translation to understand application forms and websites, or a sizable portion of the community living without cars or driver’s licenses. Participants offered ideas to raise awareness about programs, and suggested website names and search[...]