The Utah College Advising Corps (UCAC) is a college access program founded on the idea that all high school students deserve equal opportunities to enter institutions of higher education. Established in August 2007 by a generous grant from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and operated by the Office of Engagement at the University of Utah, UCAC encourages Utah high school students to participate in the various higher education opportunities available to them through the state's nine colleges and universities and throughout the nation. UCAC's ultimate goal is to increase the number of underserved students that enroll in college.
More About The Utah College Advising Corps
UCAC College Access Advisers guide high school students through college entrance exam preparation, admissions procedures, and financial aid processes to ensure that all Utah students have access to higher education opportunities at the state's nine colleges and universities and beyond.
As recent college graduates, College Access Advisers have the unique ability to relate to students and to serve as both a role model and mentors. UCAC College Access Advisers believe that by giving more people access to higher education, UCAC not only benefits the lives of the students in the program, but has a widespread and lasting positive impact on the state as a whole.
Monica Perez, Cottonwood High School
Monica Perez received her bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in Health Promotion & Education. She believes in the importance of youth empowerment and mentorship and wants to help students achievetheir academicand career goals. As a first-generation student, Monica knowsthe importance of reducing barriers for marginalized students so that they can see college or a vocational trade as a tangible reality.
Collin is a graduate student in the University of Utah’s School Counseling program.
He also completed his B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies and Psychology at
the U. As a second-year adviser, Collin is thrilled to continue helping students move
closer to realizing their goals, with the hope of making a lasting, positive impact.
Dreyah graduated from Central Washington University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and minor in Family Consumer Science. Dreyah wants all students to know that there is no obstacle too big to stand in the way of their goals and dreams!
Dreyah says that by investing in hard work it will pay for a lifetime of greatness!
SO NO SHORTCUTS! Always believe in yourself and always take pride in all that you do!
Dreyah is excited to be a college advisor because she wants to create a pathway of
inspiration, support, and positivity for all students ready to take that first step in
making their dreams a reality!
Joana Acevedo, Granger High School
Joana received a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from the University of Utah.
As a first-generation minority student, shegreatly benefited from thesupport of advisers,
mentors and teachers. She is excited to provide asupport system forstudents so they
can reach their educational goals.
Héctor Robles, Highland High School
Héctor has an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis on International Politics andaminor in Sociology from the University of Utah. He is excited to be a college adviser because he wants to help students achieve their objectives, specifically first-generation students like himself.
Olivia Cordova, Hillcrest High School
Olivia Cordova is from Salt Lake City she went to the University of Utah and graduated
with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Certificate in Criminology. She is also
a returning adviser and has previously worked at both Hillcrest High School and Olympus
High School. Olivia is excited to be returning to UCAC because as a first-generation
student, she understands the importance of higher education, and would like to continue
helping others on their pathway to higher education.
Sambat Kim, Hunter High School
Sambat is a second-year adviser at Hunter High School as well as Hunter High School
alumnus. He graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International
Studies and minor in Communication. He is thrilled to go back to Hunter High to continue
helping students and give back to his community.
Mandy received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in both Ethnic Studies and Family, Community, and Human Development, with a minor in Psychology. She is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in School Counseling at the University of Utah. Planning and preparing for the future allows for an easier transition out of high school and thus, Mandy is excited to assist students to achieve their career goals with careful and intentional planning.
Jonny Weakley, Pine View High School
Jonny received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Dixie State University. He is
thrilled to work closely with students who seek the desire to continue learning and
move forward towards their dreams and aspirations.
Nicole received her bachelor’sdegree in Family Life and Human Development with a minor in Psychology from Southern Utah University. As a first-generation college graduate, Nicole realizes how important post-secondary education is,as it opens ampledoors and opportunities.Nicole is passionate about helping others gain access to every available resource to assist them in obtaining
their goals and dreams.
Kevin is a second-year adviser returning to Taylorsville High School. He graduated
from the University of Utah with a bachelors in Sociology with a Criminology Certificate. He is excited to work with underrepresented students of color and to guide all students
who need help in achieving what they set their goals to be.
Tauveon obtained his bachelor's degree in Criminology Law and Society atthe University of California Irvine. He’s excited to be a college adviser becausethrough his college experience, he can provide students with the knowledgeandthe skills to motivate students to be the best versions of themselves. He is alsoexcited to assist students with making the college process smooth and easy forstudents.
Adilene received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Chicana/o studies at the University of Utah. Adileneis very passionate about mentoring and educating the youth. She understands that transferring from high school to college/universitycan be challenging, which why she would like to support and guide students on their journey to a post-secondary education
Nicole Batt, Executive Director
Nicole Batt is the Assistant Dean of the Office of Engagement and Executive Director of the Utah College Advising Corps. As a first-generation college student, Nicole completed both her B.S. in Communication and a Masters in Public Administration at the University of Utah, and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Political Science.
Rachel Everitt, Director
Rachel is the Director for the Utah College Advising Corps. Rachel is a first generation
college graduate who earned her B.S. in Social Science and Secondary Education at
Westminster College and her Masters of Public Administration from the University of
Utah.
Salt Lake City School District: East, West, Highland
Granite School District: Granger, Cyprus, Hunter, Kearns, Taylorsville, Cottonwood,
Skyline
Jordan School District: West Jordan
Canyons School District: Hillcrest
Washington County School District: Pine View