Want a public safety career in Utah? $45 and concurrent enrollment can get you a living wage right out of high school.

Want a public safety career in Utah? $45 and concurrent enrollment can get you a living wage right out of high school.

From House Rules: Politics and Policy in Utah by Utah House of Representatives

August 25, 2025 · 22 min

About this episode

The episode discusses a new program in Utah that allows high school students to earn certifications for public safety careers.

Utah is building an innovative pipeline that could turn high school into a pathway to public safety careers. Rep. Matthew Gwynn is joined by Weber State University President Brad Mortensen and Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Jared Garcia to discuss a new program that will let students earn concurrent enrollment credit, complete their Special Functions Officer certification, and step into a living-wage job in corrections – all for just $45. The conversation covers how the idea came about, the partnerships making it possible, and why creating early career pathways matters for both students and public safety.

People in this episode

Host: Rep. Matthew Gwynn

Guests: Brad Mortensen, Jared Garcia

Topics covered

  • public safety careers
  • education
  • concurrent enrollment
  • high school pathways
  • certification programs

Keywords

  • public safety
  • high school
  • concurrent enrollment
  • living wage
  • certification
  • Utah
  • career pathways

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Weber State University, Utah Department of Corrections

Places: Utah

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