Washington County School District, along with higher education leaders from the State Board of Regents and Dixie State College, last week launched a state initiative focused on encouraging high school students to take a rigorous course of study to prepare for college and the workplace. The event took place at Dixie Middle School in St. George. Utah Scholars teams with local businesses and community leaders to challenge students in grades nine through 12 to follow a recommended core curriculum to develop skills that employers and colleges find essential for success. "Taking courses in mathematics, science, English, social studies and a foreign language is essential if today's youth want to participate in a competitive and international market," said David Doty, program director for Utah Scholars. The initiative encourages all students in participating schools to take:

* four years of English

* four years of math (including algebra I, geometry, algebra II and an advanced math class beyond algebra II)

* three years of science (biology, chemistry, physics)

* 3 1/2 years of social studies (U.S. history, world history, geography, economics or government)

* two years of a language other than English

"Data show that a rigorous program of study is the best indicator that a student will enroll in college and successfully graduate on time," Doty said.

Students who complete the recommended curriculum will receive recognition at graduation, and it will be reflected on their transcripts.

Utah school districts already participating in the program include Alpine, Davis, Granite, Jordan, Park City, Provo, Ogden, Salt Lake City and the Early College High Schools.

For additional information, visit www.utahscholars.org.