Southern Utah University is expanding a program that will allow high school student-athletes to earn college credit for participating in Utah High School Athletic Association events hosted at SUU.
According to KSL, junior and senior high school student-athletes can earn three credits per year by competing in two different sports or event categories through the Utah High School Athletic Association, Utah Summer Games or a combination of both.
SUU hosts a variety of high school athletics events on campus, including the Utah Summer Games, UHSAA 2A Boys-and-Girls Basketball Championships, UHSAA 1A-3A Eight-Player Football Championships and UHSAA Winter Tournaments.
The cost to participate is $30, possibly making the opportunity the cheapest per-credit-hour rate in the country.
"Every time a student-athlete competes on our campus, we want them to feel immediately at home as part of the T-Bird family," said Jon Oglesby, assistant vice president of sports and destination events at SUU. "[This program gives] Utah high schoolers a direct, affordable, and tangible jumpstart on their higher education right here in Cedar City."
The initial program, the Utah Summer Games, included 80 participants in a wide variety of sports. Track and field, softball and basketball, among others, were offered. The expanded program is created through a partnership with SUU’s Community and Workforce Development program, which focuses on career-readiness skills for students.
"High school athletics teach young people how to perform under pressure, collaborate toward a common goal, and build resilience. These are transferable skills and qualities that directly translate to success in college and the modern workforce," said Melinda Pfundstein, Executive Director of SUU's Community and Workforce Development Department. "By opening this opportunity to UHSAA tournament athletes, we are rolling out the red carpet for Utah's high school competitors and ensuring that their dedication on our campus pays immediate academic dividends."
