Empowered Professionals

Empowered Professionals of Tomorrow is a tuition-free early college summer program at Utah Valley University (UVU) for Utah high school students in grades 9 through 11. Students take real UVU courses and earn college credit that counts toward UVU general education and degree pathways. Each student is placed in one of four tracks: Scientists, Engineers and Technologists, Educators, or Business Leaders of Tomorrow. The courses include introductory classes in biotechnology, geology, engineering, 3D modeling, education, children's literature, business, and entrepreneurship. Students also get mentoring from current UVU students and take part in career workshops and talks by guest speakers. The 2026 program ran from June 24 to August 7, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM. All sessions take place in person on the UVU campus in Orem, Utah, and the courses come with homework. Tuition is covered for admitted students, but families pay for transportation, lunches, and personal costs.

Open to Utah high school students currently in grades 9-11 who are interested in STEAM, business, or education. The program welcomes motivated students, and first-generation college students are especially encouraged to apply. Apply online with information about your interests and goals plus short written responses; reviewers focus on the short written answers, looking for curiosity, motivation, and readiness for college work. Admitted students must also complete Utah's concurrent enrollment application to become UVU students.