Educational Profile of the Wasatch Front South Region

Cory Stahle, Regional Economist

Several of our past blog posts have highlighted the statewide education levels of Utah; however, little has been written about the educational makeup of counties and regions. The 2014 American Community Survey (ACS), released December 2015, provides data that profiles education levels by county. This article will focus primarily on the Wasatch Front South Region and its counties.

Understanding educational attainment for an area is important for two reasons. First, it is generally acknowledged that obtaining higher education yields increased income. This increase can then improve living standards and aid in long-term economic growth. Second, education is both a product and driver of the types of jobs available. A highlight of the educational characteristics in the Wasatch Front South Region follows.

According to the 2014 ACS, 31 percent of individuals 25 years and older held a bachelor’s degree or higher in the region. Salt Lake County mirrored the region at 31 percent while Tooele County was lower at 21 percent. When compared in the graphic below, Salt Lake County is above the national average for bachelors and higher and is near the state average. In contrast, Tooele County falls below the nation and state in advanced degrees but is significantly higher in both high school and some college/associates education. While many Tooele County residents commute outside the county for work, lack of local employer demand for workers with advanced education is one possible explanation for the bachelor’s degree lag.

Salt Lake County Economic Update

The Wasatch Front South Service Area labor market began 2014 with healthy year-over employment growth of 2.7 percent and then slowed somewhat in the late spring and early summer with the growth rate cooling to about 2.3 percent. This reduction in the job growth rate occurred as the goods-producing industries of mining, manufacturing and construction had basically the same level of employment as a year earlier. The goods producing industries account for 14 percent of payroll jobs in Salt Lake and Tooele counties.

The region’s unemployment rate was around 3.5 percent by mid-year and drifted down to 3.3 percent by September. Last year Wasatch Front South unemployment averaged 4.2 percent.

• Year-over job increases continue across most major industry sectors with overall nonfarm payroll employment growth of 2.6 percent from June 2013 to June 2014. Total jobs in June 2014 were 640,691, an increase of 16,159 jobs in the last 12 months.
• The most new jobs are being created in state government, professional/scientific/technical services and administrative support services.
• The state government increase of 3,469 jobs, growing by 8.4 percent from a year earlier, is somewhat surprising at first glance. In fact, most state government agencies show no significant job growth or even have small reductions. The growth in state government was found in two areas — higher education and the University of Utah Hospital system.
• In Salt Lake County, state colleges, universities and technical schools added 2,650 jobs and the University Hospital and clinics added 1,047 jobs. Together, all other state government functions had a net loss of 228 positions in the county.
• In the private sector, within professional/scientific/technical services a substantial number of the job opportunities are in accounting/bookkeeping, computer systems design, architectural, engineering, advertising, scientific research and management/technical consulting. Within the administrative support services, most of the new jobs created were in temporary help services and telephone call centers.
• Three industries shed less than 30 jobs each from June 2013 to June 2014 — utilities, manufacturing and arts/entertainment/recreation.
• Mining employment was down by about 422 jobs, with much of the decline related to the major landslide in April 2013 at the Bingham Canyon Kennecott Copper Mine and some reduced need for construction-related mining activities.
• Construction employment grew by a modest 637 jobs or 2 percent. Residential construction activities added employment (+398 positions) and all other construction activities increase employment by 239.
• The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Salt Lake County has continued to come down in 2014. By September there were about 19,300 unemployed. The unemployment rate was about 3.3 percent compared to 4 percent at the same time last year.
• The expansion in the Salt Lake County economy since the middle of 2010 continued to be reflected in the gross taxable sales figures. Second quarter 2014 year-over taxable sales increase by 3.9 percent, much improved over the first quarter 2014 increase of just 0.7 percent above first quarter 2013. 

 Overall for the Wasatch Front South (Salt Lake and Tooele Counties), continuing healthy job growth and improving labor market characterizes economic conditions through 2014. Economic expansion brought down the unemployment rate to about 3.3 percent by the end of summer 2014. The jobless rate will likely continue to range between 3.2 and 3.5 percent through the remainder of 2014.

The 2014 job outlook in the Wasatch Front South area is expected to show overall employment growth of around 2.6 percent, adding an additional 15,500 to 17,500 jobs. Substantial job increases should come from professional/scientific/technical services, state higher education, administrative support and food services. Looking forward into 2015, job growth will likely continue between 2.3 to 2.8 percent in the region, with Tooele County once again contributing to positive job growth.

Tooele County Economic Update

The Wasatch Front South Service Area labor market began 2014 with healthy year-over employment growth of 2.7 percent and then slowed somewhat in the late spring and early summer with the growth rate cooling to about 2.3 percent. This reduction in the job growth rate occurred as the goods-producing industries of mining, manufacturing and construction had basically the same level of employment as a year earlier. The goods producing industries account for 14 percent of payroll jobs in Salt Lake and Tooele counties.

The region’s unemployment rate was around 3.5 percent by mid-year and drifted down to 3.3 percent by September. Last year Wasatch Front South unemployment averaged 4.2 percent.

• Tooele County’s own job recession continues, with year-over job losses of 563 for the 12 months ending in June 2014.
• The three largest job reductions occurred in administrative support/waste management services decreasing by 381 jobs, the federal government shedding 167 jobs and professional/technical and headquarters declining by 62. Many of these losses stem from the direct and indirect effects of the Deseret Chemical Depot closure which is now complete.
• The three industries showing the largest June 2014 year-over employment increases include construction (126), health care/social service (46) and transportation/warehousing (42).
• Overall, nonfarm payroll employment totaled 15,094 in June 2014. This is the lowest job count for the month of June since 2006.
• In June of 2012, the unemployment rate was around 5.8 percent, improving throughout 2013 to record a rate of 5.2 percent in September 2013. As of September 2014, there are about 1,250 unemployed Tooele County Residents looking for work and a jobless rate of 4.2 percent.
• Gross taxable sales declined by 2.9 percent in the first quarter 2014 compared to first quarter 2013. Second quarter 2014 sales were down again by 1.1 percent on a year over basis. This is the seventh consecutive quarter with year-over reductions. 

Overall for the Wasatch Front South (Salt Lake and Tooele Counties), continuing healthy job growth and improving labor market characterizes economic conditions through 2014. Economic expansion brought down the unemployment rate to about 3.3 percent by the end of summer 2014. The jobless rate will likely continue to range between 3.2 and 3.5 percent through the remainder of 2014.

The 2014 job outlook in the Wasatch Front South area is expected to show overall employment growth of around 2.6 percent, adding an additional 15,500 to 17,500 jobs. Substantial job increases should come from professional/scientific/technical services, state higher education, administrative support and food services. Looking forward into 2015, job growth will likely continue between 2.3 to 2.8 percent in the region, with Tooele County once again contributing to positive job growth.

Long-Term Employment Projections

The long-term employment projections have been updated for the time period of 2012 to 2022. Projections are produced for the state of Utah as well as for eight sub-state areas. The areas are determined by population and job density and are not created equal. But rather, types of jobs are determined by the nature of the local area’s economy. Short-term projections for 2012 to 2014 are also provided for statewide.

The value in providing these projections is to help identify which types of jobs are most likely to be in high demand in the future. Ultimately, the long-term employment projections act as a forecasting measure by which individuals as well as organizations and agencies can plan ahead.

See the latest long-term projections produced by DWS for the Salt Lake City MSA area.

A Story of Wage Data

The Wages and Income page has a new look to the wage data that is gathered by the Workforce Research and Analysis division. Along with visualization of the data, you can now read story points at the top of each graph, to help understand what the data is showing you along with highlighting its insights. Just click along the story points at the top of the visualization to follow the story of wages.

University of Utah OKs housing space for budding entrepreneurs

Students interested in starting a business could live, work and perfect their ideas in one place at a building center planned for the University of Utah.

The school’s board of trustees approved the design and program for the Lassonde Living Learning Center Tuesday, which is slated to house about 400 students when it opens in Fall 2016.

The new project will be similar to the Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community that opened its doors last year, but would instead offer workshops, materials, computers and business lunch space as well as spots for competitions and events. Salt Lake Tribune

Salt Lake Community College Held Digital Arts Networking Event for Sundance Film Festival

Salt Lake Community College, in association with the Utah Department of Workforce Services and the Utah Film Commission, held an event that brought digital arts students from around the state to explore job opportunities within the film and digital media industries during the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

“This event was a great way to capitalize on the excitement that comes to the State during Sundance. It showcased Utah’s many employers in digital arts industries and gave students the opportunity to really get a feel for what occupations in these fields are like,” said Lori Bonham, SLCC Career and Technical Education Marketing Coordinator. “The career job shadow event was a great way to provide students better information they’ll need to make informed decisions about selecting careers in the digital arts industry.”

This event was targeted to Salt Lake Community College digital arts students and to high school students in digital arts programs across the Wasatch Front. SFGate

University of Utah set to open state's second dental school in fall of 2013

The state of Utah is getting its second dental school.

The University of Utah School of Dentistry, a public school, will welcome its first class of 20 students this fall. Construction is expected to begin soon on a new dental school building that will be named for a benefactor who donated $30 million for the program.

Utah's first dental school, the Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine, a private school, opened its doors to 64 students in 2011. Roseman is located in South Jordan, Utah, south of Salt Lake City.

Dr. G. Lynn Powell, University of Utah School of Dentistry founding dean, estimates the school will receive more than 500 applications in its first year.

The new dental school builds on the University of Utah's long-running, successful dental education programs that include a postgraduate dental residency program, which will continue, and a 32-year-old Regional Dental Education Program directed by Dr. Powell. The RDEP recruits dental students who attend their first year of dental education at the University of Utah's School of Medicine then complete their final three years at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Neb. Under the terms of the agreement, some of the students' tuition can be reimbursed if they return to Utah to practice. With the opening of the new School of Dentistry, that program will be discontinued when the final class of the RDEP graduates in 2016.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation granted initial accreditation to the University of Utah School of Dentistry in 2012. Dentistry IQ

For more information please visit: http://www.ada.org

First Class of 10,000 Small Businesses Program Starts at SLCC

Salt Lake Community College is pleased to announce the first class of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program beginning at the College’s Miller Campus in Sandy.

The first class consists of 33 Utah businesses, which have been selected from a competitive pool of 102 initial applicants seeking the rigorous business education. The businesses selected represent a broad range of industries including; retail, manufacturing, construction, transportation, and services from medical, information technology, media, and human services areas. All businesses selected met specific application criteria and are positioned to provide increased revenue and job growth upon completion of the program. Through their dedication, these business owners will richly contribute to Utah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a national education program for business owners who have survived the start-up phase and are poised for growth. Participants receive a full scholarship, which includes comprehensive business management education curriculum, a suite of business support services such as one-on-one business advising and networking clinics, and opportunities to access capital.

More than 780 small business owners have participated in the program in seven cities across the U.S. Alumni have generated on average a 70% increase in revenue, and 55% of participating business have created new jobs. As a result of the programs launch in Salt Lake City, program administrators expect positive economic outcomes—including new jobs and increased tax revenues. Utah Policy

Fuel Your School Program Benefits Nearly 700,000 Students in Nine Communities across the U.S.

Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and DonorsChoose.org today announced that its Fuel Your School program funded $4.49 million, benefiting local classroom projects at 1,733 K-12 public schools across the country and impacting a total of 697,904 students in 2012.

Through Chevron's Fuel Your School program, 5,673 teachers in nine markets received critical classroom resources.

Through the Fuel Your School program, Chevron contributed $1 for purchases of eight or more gallons, up to a total contribution of nearly $5 million, between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 at participating Chevron and Texaco stations in nine U.S. markets, including Salt Lake and Davis counties. In total, $4.49 million dollars were generated to benefit [nationwide] public school classroom projects posted on DonorsChoose.org.

The purpose of the Fuel Your School program is to help support and improve critical education programming and materials, particularly in the STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and math - to help prepare students for the growing number of technical jobs in the modern economy, including possible engineering positions at Chevron. Market Watch

Utah Aquarium Breaks Ground October 24

The Living Planet Aquarium begins construction of the 136,000-square-foot, $20 million expansion with a groundbreaking event scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 24 at 12033 S. Lone Peak Parkway. The expansion, which is set to open December 2013, will take visitors from the Utah deserts and mountains, to rain forest habitats, to the planet's vast oceans.

The Aquarium has continued to grow since opening in a small space in 2004 at The Gateway and, since 2006, in Sandy at 725 E. 10600 South. The current 43,000-square-foot aquarium in Sandy is on track to land over 450,000 visitors this year, and provides science education to an additional 50,000 elementary school students statewide. "With the tremendous efforts of a remarkable team of staff, volunteers, donors and board of trustees the aquarium has grown over 50% through the recession, confirming the demand for a larger aquarium in Utah," said Brent Andersen, Founder and CEO.

The new Aquarium, officially named the "Loveland Living Planet Aquarium," will be located in Draper City at 12033 S. Lone Peak Parkway and will provide a new and exciting activity in which the whole family can participate throughout the entire year. In addition to pure entertainment, it will offer expanded educational programs, field trips, and hands-on learning that would not otherwise be accessible to Utah's children. The Sandy location will close September 8, 2013 to allow for transition into the new building.

Conservatively, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will attract 530,000 visitors per year as a family oriented destination for Utah residents as well as tourists. "A larger aquarium will become a major destination spot which will enhance local and statewide economies by generating economic activity and supporting jobs," said Rep. Tim Cosgrove, Aquarium Board of Trustees. "It is estimated that the project will support over 300 construction jobs and generate $800,000 in tax revenues for the State each year," said Cosgrove. The Aquarium will serve to showcase ecosystems from around the world such as marine, freshwater and rain forests to name a few, and how they work together to form one global ecosystem, The Living Planet. The Sacramento Bee

USU to host ceremony unveiling new building

Utah State University officials are inviting the general public and university community to be part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Logan campus’ newest building — the headquarters of its distance education programs.

The Distance Education Building is a 41,000-square-foot building that will use the latest technology to provide educational opportunities for students across the state — helping to fulfill USU’s land-grant mission.

Specifically, it will house eight distance education classrooms, the Utah Education Network — a service that provides classroom technology to Utah’s higher-education institutions and public schools — USU’s faculty assistance center for teaching (FACT), and technology beta rooms to experiment with new distance education technology with the help of state and international corporate sponsors.

The building was funded through a mix of corporate sponsors and self-support from the university, according to Wagner, who added that USU officials did not make it a priority for the Legislature to fund the building because of the current economic conditions. As a result, no state money was allocated for its construction.
This is the second USU building to be dedicated on the Logan campus this year. In February, a ceremony was held for the grand opening of the Agricultural Sciences Building on the Quad. Herald Journal

Living Planet Aquarium to be built in Draper

The Living Planet Aquarium board of trustees selected Beecher Walker Architects and Layton Construction for the development, design and construction of the new Living Planet Aquarium, to be built in Draper City.

The Living Planet Aquarium solicited statements of interest and qualifications from top design teams and commercial contractors recognized for strong experience to develop a complete design and structure for the 130,000-square-foot building off Interstate 15 near 12300 South which will be the permanent home for the popular non-profit attraction.

“The new Board, consisting of seasoned executives, is excited with the tremendous progress made by the aquarium in the last two years, including fund raising, state appropriations and land acquisition,” said Ragula Bhaskar, Ph.D., chairman of the Board. “The aquarium has raised nearly $7 million and has obtained the support of the City of Draper to bond $11.7 million to complete the Aquarium. It is expected to be one of the best aquariums in the Intermountain West.”

The Aquarium has continued to grow since opening in a small space in 2004 at The Gateway and, since 2006, in Sandy at 725 E. 10600 South. The current 43,000-square-foot aquarium in Sandy lands over 375,000 visitors each year, and provides science education to elementary schools statewide. With the tremendous growth, donor support and a strong leadership team, the aquarium has grown more than 50 percent during the recession, confirming its popularity with local visitors and out of state tourists. To read the press release from April 2012, click here.

University of Utah announces construction schedule of new student center

With the help of a $3 million grant from the Eccles Foundation, the University of Utah will break ground on a new Student Life Center in 2013, with plans for a fall 2014 opening, the university announced Wednesday.

Officials say the grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation completes the funding needed to begin construction on the center, which is planned as a centerpiece of campus activity.

The 172,000-square-foot center will be built near the Fort Douglas TRAX station, just west of the George S. Eccles 2002 Legacy Bridge, and will house recreational and physical fitness facilities, as well as a cafe and study areas.

Construction of the $42.5 million center is being funded through a combination of private donations and student-approved bonding, officials said. No state funds will be used for the project. Deseret News

Five Utah School Districts to Apply for Millions in Federal Cash

At least five Utah school districts plan to vie for millions in federal cash as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top District program.

The Granite, Ogden and Provo school districts plan to seek $20 million to $30 million each; the Morgan County School District will likely apply for $5 million to $10 million; and the Washington County School District plans to apply for $30 million to $40 million, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The five districts are among 893 nationwide that have submitted letters saying they intend to apply for a chunk of nearly $400 million meant to support reforms aimed at personalizing learning, closing achievement gaps and preparing kids for college and careers.

The department has previously held Race to the Top competitions for states as well. Utah, as a state, applied for a $175 million Race to the Top grant in 2010 but did not win one. Salt Lake Tribune

Construction on Utah university campuses marks growth

Construction projects at universities across the state point to a steady stream of students staying on campus in addition to schools increasing online options.

Every four-year school in Utah has construction under way, from full-scale building expansion at the University of Utah to projects as small as a ramp connecting the upper and lower campus at Southern Utah University to create wheelchair access.

While enrollment numbers are still in flux, representatives from the University of Utah estimate an increase of more than 600 students on campus this semester, as compared to 2011. University officials reported 31,950 students enrolled last year, and had 32,592 enrolled in this first week of the semester.

Weber State University, traditionally a commuter campus, is increasing options for a traditional college atmosphere. The open-admissions school is in the home stretch of its three-building campus housing project. Stewart Wasatch Hall, the second building in the Wildcat Village project, is filled to capacity for its inaugural semester. Ground has been broken for the final building.

Officials at Utah State University are anticipating their enrollment numbers to be even with last year, keeping on par with a 10-year growth trend. Trent Hunsaker, USU marketing director, said students are still seeking out a traditional on-campus experience.

In Southern Utah, Dixie State College is preparing to dedicate its Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons on Sept. 7. The school received $35 million from the Utah Legislature in 2010 for the building's construction, on top of $3 million in 2009 legislative funding that went into planning, according to a Dixie news release. The six-story building houses a library, the English department, classrooms and student services including registration and financial aid. It is part of the school's plan to manage ongoing growth. Deseret News

Utah computer science school relocating to historic Tribune building

Downtown Salt Lake City will become a little more lively next year when a tech-oriented for-profit university moves its operations and student housing into a historic Main Street building.

Neumont University will formally announce its plans Thursday evening at its future home, the Ezra Thompson Building at 143 S. Main. The 11-story masonry art deco office tower, built in 1924, housed The Salt Lake Tribune for nearly seven decades before the newspaper’s 2005 move to The Gateway.

After the Tribune’s departure, developers Michael Ferro and Vasilios Priskos acquired the building with an eye toward converting it into residences.

"We have been anxious to get more students living downtown. We really want it to be thought of as a college town. University students add a vibrancy to city streets that’s difficult to get from other groups," said Jason Mathis, Downtown Alliance executive director. "I can’t think of a better use for that building. It’s great to see historic structures used in ways to continue their lives well into their future."

Established as Northface University in 2003 at a South Jordan office park, Neumont is a baccalaureate college offering degrees exclusively in digital sciences. Its enrollment moves between 250 and 300 students, mostly from out of state, and the new location will allow growth to 400. Salt Lake Tribune

U. of Utah holds out hat for tech transfer

At a time when the University of Utah is tapping the philanthropic community to fund scholarships and buildings for research, academics, athletics and cultural amenities, the school this week added another request: funding for technology commercialization.

Money donated to a new Gateway Crimson Innovation Fund will help push university inventions, such as medical devices and treatments, drugs, energy technologies and software, into the marketplace.

Officials are seeking "venture philanthropists" to kick in $2 million in the fund’s first year, according to a press release issued Thursday.

The money will also be used to enhance education, since students are deeply involved with commercializing U. technologies, according to vice president for institutional advancement Fred Esplin. The press release, however, emphasized non-educational needs: securing patents; further research and development; creating prototypes; hiring management teams; and crafting marketing materials.

Funding for such activities historically comes from the University of Utah Research Foundation, a subsidiary non-profit that owns the U.’s portfolio of intellectual property arising from mostly federally funded research. The foundation reaps millions each year in royalties and licensing fees, which is dispersed to faculty inventors and their departments and supports commercialization. Salt Lake Tribune

University of Utah eyes future stadium expansion

The University of Utah wants to expand Rice-Eccles Stadium to boost capacity by 10,000 seats and create booster areas for Ute football, a school administrator confirmed Tuesday.

The potential expansion is in a “conceptual phase” with no timetable for completion.

The university has conducted some feasibility analysis on a stadium expansion and the cost could range from $40 million to $60 million, Mike Perez, associate vice president for facilities management, said. Deseret News

Utah Honors College moves into new home

The University program has tripled enrollment since becoming own college in 2002. Formally called the Donna Garff Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community, the 309-bed building is the first in the state to integrate academic and residential life under one roof. Its Sept. 21 dedication will be a coming-of-age party for the program, now entering its 50th year.

Over the past decade, it has seen tremendous growth under the leadership of architectural historian Martha Bradley, who was promoted last year to associate vice president for academic affairs. Enrollment has nearly tripled to 2,500 since 2002, when the program won status as a college under Bernie Machen’s tenure as president and Bradley was named its first dean. Student body president Geneva Thompson and Truman scholar Ashley Edgette expect to graduate from the program this year.

The Honors degree requires completing seven courses, notably in writing and intellectual traditions, and producing a thesis containing original scholarly work. While honors programs are traditionally focused on the humanities, U. Honors students represent majors from all disciplines.

The U.’s signature feature is a yearlong seminar called Think Tank. Once a week, a group of 12 upperclassmen meet with distinguished U. faculty and community members to explore a pressing issue facing society. This year, Think Tanks will examine refugee communities, Wasatch water resources, aging and the tensions between law and medicine.

Less than one-third of the program’s students graduate with the Honors degree, and the thesis requirement is a stumbling block.

According to Torti, the college is pairing students with mentors to keep them on track and insisting they begin planning their theses as sophomores, rather than waiting until the end of their junior year.

Torti believes the new building will help because it provides Honors students a 24-hour hub regardless of where they live, ensuring they stay connected with faculty and each other.

But just as important, according to Bradley, is connecting students to real-world challenges. Salt Lake Tribune