Salt Lake Community College is a 'Step Ahead'.

• Position: UB Voices

Salt Lake Community College continues to expand options for traditional and non-traditional students to prepare them for life's next steps. As Utah's largest college with the most diverse student body, SLCC serves more than 60,000 students across 10 campuses, including online classes.

Some would say SLCC stands for. Surprisingly Large Community Contributor because it fuels a growing workforce in business and industry for Utah, a vibrant economy with one of the nation's youngest populations. But surprisingly, some are still unaware of the robust affect SLCC has on Utah. Overall, about 85% of SLCC graduates stay in Utah, get jobs, invest their income into the community, pay taxes and contribute positively to the state.

"Our graduates are a powerful investment in our state's economic well-being," said Salt Lake Community College President Deneece G. Huftalin. "Once they graduate from the college, students are well-prepared to be immediately productive and profitable in our business and community, particularly in the fast-growing technology, manufacturing, composites and medical fields."

More importantly, they are living proof that Salt Lake Community College excels at elevating Utah's economy, workforce and overall quality of life.

One example is Salt Lake Community College's partnership with the national Goldman Sach's 10,000 Small Businesses program, which has helped to grow more than 200 already-established local businesses. Administered through SLCC, this specific program is among the more successful business education and training programs in the country. Research indicates 70% of participating businesses in Utah reported an increase in revenue within six months of starting the program, as compared to 68% nationally.

"These high marks are...