Seminary and Institute Enrollment Reaches Historic 1 Million Students

The growth is attributed to new initiatives, digital transformation, and a special invitation from Church leaders.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:37pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of young people gathered in a classroom, their faces obscured but their body language suggesting a sense of community, learning, and spiritual connection.The growing community of young Latter-day Saints finding faith, fellowship, and purpose through the institute program.Logan Today

The Institutes of Religion program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached a major milestone, with a combined enrollment of more than 1 million students worldwide. This historic achievement comes as the program celebrates its 100th anniversary, having grown from a small class of 25 students in Idaho in 1926 to over 2,700 locations in more than 170 countries.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of the institute program reflects the rising generation's search for faith, community, and guidance from the Holy Ghost. Church leaders have issued special invitations for young adults to attend institute, promising blessings of increased discipleship, personal revelation, and a sense of belonging.

The details

The institute program underwent several initiatives in recent years, known as 'Innovate Institute,' to better meet the needs of young adults. This included a digital transformation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last two years, institute enrollment has grown by over 100,000 students, with a 20% increase after five years of decline.

  • In 1926, the first institute of religion classes were held near the University of Idaho with just 25 students.
  • By 1950, as Church membership surpassed 1 million, institute enrollment reached 4,309.
  • In 2021, Church leaders expressed concern about decreasing worldwide enrollments in seminary and institute programs.
  • In 2023, President Russell M. Nelson issued a special invitation for young adults to attend institute.
  • In 2026, the institute program is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The players

Heber J. Grant

Church President who sent J. Wyley Sessions to start the first institute of religion classes in 1926.

J. Wyley Sessions

The first institute director and teacher, appointed to start the program in Moscow, Idaho in 1926.

Chad H Webb

Administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and the first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency.

Yaw Danso

Associate administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion.

Russell M. Nelson

President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who issued a special invitation for young adults to attend institute in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“They talked about wanting to feel Heavenly Father's love and deepening their faith in the Savior. They talked about wanting a place where they had people who would help them with their goals in life and how to stay on the covenant path. They talked about relevance and finding answers to questions.”

— Chad H Webb, Administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

“It's a wonderful opportunity to think about how institute can bless us, or if we're trying to invite a child or a friend, ... it's a great way to invite them by sharing those promises.”

— Chad H Webb, Administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

“We have examples of coordinators who are leaving their offices and literally going to homes and inviting young single adults to come to institute.”

— Yaw Danso, Associate Administrator of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

“When a young person personally invites a friend to join an institute class or activity, it carries special power. Their authentic testimonies and friendships are essential in welcoming all to attend.”

— Chad H Webb, Administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

“Every one of you who attends institute this year will literally be one in a million — an important part of a historic year known and numbered by our Father in Heaven. We invite you all, no matter what your stage in life or circumstance, to come and be one in a million.”

— Chad H Webb, Administrator for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion

What’s next

Throughout this year and around the world, local institutes are invited to host activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary. There will also be a devotional next fall in Moscow, Idaho, to commemorate where it all began.

The takeaway

The rapid growth of the institute program reflects the rising generation's deep desire for faith, community, and personal guidance. Church leaders' invitations and initiatives to make institute more relevant and accessible have resonated, leading to a historic milestone that demonstrates the strength and commitment of young Latter-day Saints worldwide.