Utah is known for its accessibility to institutions of higher education. There are few universities in the world that hold the standard of academic rigor and affordable prices the way that universities in Utah do. This reflects Utahns’ understanding of the importance of educational opportunities for up-and-coming generations. Holding education accessible in Utah has in turn produced one of the most dynamic and resilient economies in the nation. The lesson from this is clear: focusing on education has generational dividends that bring economic prosperity and resilience to the population.

Imagine for a minute what Utah would be like without access to higher education. Now imagine what it would look like without access to primary education. To fathom a world where access to education is extremely limited is nearly unfathomable.

The fact is, millions of children and teens around the world forego or do not have access to primary education, much less secondary education. According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics, over 260 million children and youth do not have access to education. We have seen the positive economic impact of education in our state, but what about in these countries?

Just as we have fought to maintain the cultural and economic value of education in our state by ensuring widespread access, we must look to our neighboring countries to extend that same gift to them and their children. The health of our world depends on the health of our global community, that is, all of us.

As residents of Utah, we are represented by Senator Mitt Romney, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and as such, a figure of significant influence in key education-expanding legislation abroad. Consider voicing your desire of extending academic opportunities to children around the globe to him.

Eric Kersten, Provo

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