UWLP Publishes Fourth of Six White Papers: Women, Finance, Education

The Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University has released the fourth of six white papers sharing the results of a comprehensive study conducted earlier this fall. The study supports the efforts of “A Bolder Way Forward,” a statewide movement focused on ensuring that more Utah girls, women and their families thrive.

The fourth white paper shares the findings from three topic areas: Finances, Higher Education Attainment and K-12 Initiatives. The 82-item survey, taken from Oct. 1 to Nov. 20, 2024, included a combined sample of 4,721 Utahns, including 1,123 men.

“For those who want to more deeply understand the perceptions and attitudes regarding women and education, including initiatives at the K-12 level, higher education attainment, and financial literacy, this 36-page report contains a significant amount of critical data that can help,” said lead researcher and co-report author Susan Madsen, UWLP director, and Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the USU Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. “We invite the public to view this report in its entirety. This is our second year of data collection, and the report addresses how data may have changed since the inaugural 2023 survey.”

Finances

Five survey items provide additional insights regarding girls, women and financial literacy, with the goal being to reduce financial vulnerability among all Utah women:

1. I am aware of resources that help me achieve financial security.
2. I have used resources that have helped me achieve financial security.
3. I believe it is valuable for me to understand my personal finances.
4. I can manage my personal finances independently and make informed decisions to improve my financial wellness.
5. It is important for women to be competent and confident with money.

Nearly all respondents (94.3%) agreed on some level that it is important for women to be competent and confident with money, but 14.9% of women disagreed on some level or were neutral when asked about their ability to manage personal finances independently and make informed decisions. One respondent stated that “Women need more educational resources and opportunities to upgrade their skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing their economic independence.”

Higher Education Attainment

Because higher education is positively linked with long-term economic, social and physical wellbeing, earning a post-secondary credential is an important step for every Utah woman. Four survey items provide additional insight to improve enrollment in and completion of programs, certificates and degrees among women:

1. In addition to improving economic opportunity, higher education is also important for intellectual growth, personal development and life-long societal contributions.
2. College is worth the financial investment.
3. It is important for more Utah women to complete graduate degree programs.
4. It is important for all those considering attending college to apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA).

More than 3 of 4 respondents (76.7%) agreed on some level that college is worth the financial investment and, as a testimonial of sorts, those respondents with graduate degrees agreed most strongly, followed by individuals with bachelor’s and associate degrees.

A similar sentiment emerged with regard to the importance of women completing graduate degrees, with 75.6% of respondents expressing some level of agreement. The qualitative findings, however, highlighted obstacles for women who would like to complete higher education.

One respondent stated: “Educational and professional opportunities may sometimes be limited, especially in rural areas.”

Another stated: “Education opportunities are readily available for girls and women in Utah, but childcare is a barrier to accessing higher education for women.”

K-12 Initiatives

Early education and experiences in school lay a foundation for children’s growth, development, and confidence — all of which have immense impact on how a child views their own potential or imagines the possibilities available to them — subsequently guiding what and how children learn and influences career paths, etc.

Five survey items explore support for initiatives in the K-12 environment that have potential to positively impact Utah’s girls, women and their families:

1. It is important for girls in K-12 to have strong math skills for their future career and life.
2. It is important for girls to complete Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways in high school.
3. It is as important for girls as it is for boys to take advanced coursework in high school that prepares students for postsecondary opportunities and careers.
4. It is concerning that The Nation’s Report Card math scores for 4th and 8th grade in Utah are lower for girls than they are for boys.
5. Utahns should be concerned about the percentage of children who are chronically absent from school.

Respondents overwhelmingly agreed (91.5%) that advanced coursework in high school is as important for girls as it is for boys. However, one interesting element of the results is regarding agreement by county. All counties have some level of agreement that girls’ advanced coursework is important, but Cache, Davis, Carbon, Salt Lake and Iron counties have statistically significant higher levels of agreement, while Daggett, Rich, Morgan, Millard and Wayne counties have lower levels of agreement.

There are likely several reasons for this difference, but it is interesting to consider that Cache, Davis, Carbon, Salt Lake and Iron counties are home to three of Utah’s public universities/extensions, one community college and three technical colleges (nearly half of Utah System of Higher Education institutions).

Regarding the gap in girls’ and boy’s 4th and 8th grade math scores, Brie Sparks, co-author of the report, said: “The drop in math scores across the board is certainly a concern, but we should really be taking pause when we see that the gap between girls and boys is widest in Utah. Girls have the same potential for learning, the same teachers, curriculum and resources. So … what is happening that is resulting in the underperformance? What is the message that our girls are getting? This is an issue that we absolutely need to understand and address.”

Madsen reiterated that Utah must do better to ensure that everyone thrives.

“As Utah decision makers and residents join to find ways to strengthen the impact of Utah girls and women, it is essential that we acknowledge the importance of lifelong learning,” she said. “Especially as it relates to a woman’s long-term wellbeing in every aspect of her life, including her career prospects, her confidence as a contributor and leader in her community, and as a thriving retiree. Investing in the education of women and girls through K-12 initiatives, financial literacy, and higher education not only lifts them, but all Utahns.”

Click here to read the full report.