In partnership with Ogden-Weber Technical College, OSD is creating the high school for students who are interested in working toward their post-secondary education. Pathway students will complete core education classes such as math, science and English in their own high school on the OWTC campus.

With tuition being free to all Utah high school students attending any technical school in the state, OWTC President James Taggart said more students will have the opportunity to receive certification in a technical career.

Luke Rasmussen, OSD superintendent, said the target enrollment of 150 students should meet the need for those interested in attending. If there is a greater need, Rasmussen said they may have to consider a lottery.

According to Taggart, referencing state and local data, high school students participating in career and technical education, or CTE, are 7% more likely to graduate high school on time and 10% more likely to enroll in post-secondary education within two years of graduating.

Deborah Wilber, Standard-Examiner

“It’s even more impressive that they are more likely to complete their post-secondary award within two to five years post high school,” he said.

Students will be given the option to continue electives at their original schools while attending the pathway institution. Transportation from George Washington, Ogden and Ben Lomond high schools to OWTC will be provided by bus in the morning and afternoon.

In previous years, Taggart said high school students participating in programs at the college spent a bulk of their time traveling back and forth from institutions.

A pathway high school collaboration between OWTC and OSD stemmed, in part, from conversations on how to provide technical programs at the college while attending high school without disruptions.

The two agencies are currently negotiating a long-term lease of the former Observation & Assessment youth-in-custody education facility, located at 145 N. Monroe Blvd.

OWTC acquired the building two years ago in a transfer of land from the state. Taggart said it made sense for the college to acquire the vacant building as it is completely surrounded by the campus.

While the OWTC board of trustees has yet to approve a long-term lease of the building to OSD, the OSD Board of Education has already approved funds for a remodel.

The OWTC board of trustees is expected to make a decision with a memorandum of understanding in a meeting scheduled for Feb. 24.

By providing a single location for students to graduate high school while working toward a post-secondary education free of cost, Rasmussen said they are helping to meet the needs of the community by providing students with more opportunities as well as providing employers with a growing demand for tradesmen.

“It’s something to be celebrated,” said Heather Gerrard, director of Personalized Learning Pathways with OSD.