Salt Lake Community College Launches 'Back on Track' Initiative

New program aims to help young adults transition from low-wage jobs to high-demand careers

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:26am

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired grid of educational icons like textbooks, a laptop, and a graduation cap, conceptually representing the empowerment and career opportunities offered by SLCC's 'Back on Track' initiative.SLCC's innovative 'Back on Track' program aims to transform the lives of young adults by providing them with the tools and credentials needed to pursue high-demand careers.Salt Lake City Today

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) has partnered with the WestEd Center for Economic Mobility to launch an ambitious new initiative called 'Back on Track.' The program aims to guide young adults in Salt Lake City from entry-level roles into management positions in high-demand industries like healthcare within 6 weeks to a year.

Why it matters

The 'Back on Track' initiative seeks to break the cycle of low-wage, unstable employment by providing students with industry-recognized credentials and career pathways tailored to regional employer demands. This could significantly improve economic mobility and job security for young adults in the Salt Lake City area.

The details

The 'Back on Track' program will create up to three new career pathways, with healthcare being a top priority. It will also focus on upskilling current entry-level workers, helping them gain the skills and credentials needed to advance into management roles. SLCC plans to work closely with local businesses to ensure the program meets the needs of both students and the regional economy.

  • The 'Back on Track' initiative is launching in 2026.
  • SLCC aims to have graduated two full cohorts from the program by 2029.

The players

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

A public community college serving the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, SLCC is partnering with WestEd to launch the 'Back on Track' initiative.

WestEd Center for Economic Mobility

A national leader in education-to-employment systems, WestEd is providing expertise and resources to SLCC for the 'Back on Track' program.

Jason Wood

The Vice President of Salt Lake Technical College at SLCC, Wood is overseeing the development and implementation of the 'Back on Track' initiative.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to be one of the few colleges nationwide to collaborate with WestEd. Their expertise and resources will be invaluable as we create new career pathways for our students.”

— Jason Wood, Vice President of Salt Lake Technical College at SLCC

“We want to work with businesses to train their frontline staff, helping them become successful managers and achieve that first promotion. We're analyzing labor market data to identify a third career pathway, ensuring we meet the needs of both our students and the local economy.”

— Jason Wood, Vice President of Salt Lake Technical College at SLCC

What’s next

SLCC plans to finalize the details of the 'Back on Track' program, including the specific career pathways and curriculum, in the coming months. The college will also continue to collaborate with local businesses to ensure the initiative meets regional workforce needs.

The takeaway

The 'Back on Track' initiative at SLCC represents a bold and innovative approach to addressing the cycle of low-wage, unstable employment. By providing young adults with industry-recognized credentials and tailored career pathways, the program aims to empower participants to achieve professional growth and success, ultimately strengthening the local economy.