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Ken Sekaquaptewa, Multicultural advisor, taking Goshute students on a campus tour. Photo courtesy of Micaela Choo

Last week, a group of seven prospective Goshute students visited campus as part of an effort by Children First Utah, a non-profit charitable organization, to encourage these students to graduate high school and explore academic opportunities as multicultural students at Utah colleges.

Although on the rise since 2005, according to the National Center of Education Statistics, high school graduation rates among minorities are still lower than those of Caucasians. The Goshute Indian Tribe in Utah is not exempt from this trend; just one student from the tribe has graduated in the past 12 years.

“We are examining the issues that make it difficult for at-risk populations to succeed,” said Sylvia Findlayson, Native American project director of Children First Utah.

During their time at UVU, the students were given a campus tour, introduced to the Multicultural Center and advised on financial aid opportunities available to minorities.

Ken Sekaquaptewa, an advisor in the Multicultural Center, also informed the prospective students of the available degrees and trade programs at UVU.

The students have visited UVU, University of Utah and Westminster College for campus tours and admission information in an effort to excite these students about attending college.