The value of education exceeds mere occupational advantages

In a recent KSL article, Director of the Utah Women and Education Project Susan Madsen expresses concern at the tendency of Utah women to value education for occupational pursuits only, rather than realizing the overall advantages of higher education.

While a decline in female graduation rates will inevitably hurt Utah's economy, Madsen is simply unsettled by the seeming trivialization of higher education in the minds of Utah women. Whether the mindset of viewing education as insignificant stems from parents, teachers, counselors, spiritual leaders, the women themselves, or more likely a combination of influences, this is a mindset that calls for evaluation and intervention.

The objective of the UWEP is to study the reasoning behind Utah women not attending or opting out of universities before they can receive a diploma. In so doing, it aims to shed light on the many influences affecting the educational pursuits of young women, and therein provide a foundation from which participating parties can better inform and encourage women to obtain degrees.

To read the article, click on the headline of this post.