Petition Launched to Save BYU's SOAR Program for First-Gen Students

Multicultural students rally to preserve critical college prep initiative facing federal funding cuts

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:28pm

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A visually striking, abstract silkscreen print composed of repeating images of college textbooks and graduation caps in a bold, neon color palette, conceptually representing the importance of college preparedness programs for first-generation and multicultural students.The vibrant student-led campaign to save BYU's SOAR program reflects the vital role such initiatives play in supporting underrepresented students' access to higher education.Provo Today

A petition has been launched to save BYU's SOAR program, a 25-year-old initiative that has helped first-generation and multicultural students prepare for college. The program is facing termination due to federal funding cuts, sparking concern among students, alumni, and families who recognize its critical role in supporting underrepresented students.

Why it matters

The SOAR program has been a vital resource for first-generation and multicultural students at BYU, providing guidance on college applications, scholarships, and navigating the university experience. Its closure would leave many students without the connections and support they need to succeed, undermining BYU's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The details

Keoki Leong, a former SOAR participant and now a medical resident, credits the program for helping him get into college and secure scholarships, as he was the only college graduate in his family of seven. However, the news of SOAR's closure has been met with frustration by multicultural students on campus. A petition, signed by over a thousand students, calls on BYU to restore or rebuild a multicultural support program like SOAR. Amanda Quintana, the petition's creator, highlights the program's importance in providing critical guidance and a sense of belonging to students who feel out of place.

  • The SOAR program has been in operation at BYU for 25 years.
  • The petition to save the program was launched in April 2026.

The players

Keoki Leong

A former SOAR participant and current medical resident who credits the program for helping him get into college and secure scholarships.

Amanda Quintana

The creator of the petition to save the SOAR program, which has been signed by over a thousand students.

BYU

The university that has run the SOAR program for the past 25 years, but is now facing the termination of the program due to federal funding cuts.

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What they’re saying

“Without parental guidance on college applications and scholarships, Leong credits SOAR for preparing him for college entrance exams, navigating the BYU application process, and securing scholarships.”

— Keoki Leong, Former SOAR participant and medical resident

“The program's importance in providing critical guidance and a sense of belonging to students who feel out of place.”

— Amanda Quintana, Petition creator

What’s next

BYU has responded to the petition, confirming that the SOAR program won't continue in its current form due to federal funding changes. However, the university reassures students that its commitment to supporting first-generation and underrepresented students remains strong, and it is exploring alternative ways to strengthen student success and college preparedness.

The takeaway

The potential closure of BYU's SOAR program highlights the critical role such initiatives play in supporting the academic and personal success of first-generation and multicultural students. The outpouring of student support for the program underscores the need for universities to prioritize diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to higher education.