Returning the SOAR (Summer of Academic Refinement) program to Brigham Young University (BYU) is essential not just for personal reasons, but for the diverse community it served so faithfully. I still vividly recall attending SOAR and finding a supportive network of friends and mentors who understood my unique challenges as a student from a multicultural background.

The SOAR program was not just an academic booster, it was a bridge to higher education and a nurturing ground for countless students who might have otherwise fallen through the cracks. By providing workshops, mentorship, and a vibrant community, SOAR helped many students prepare for the rigorous academic life at BYU.   Not only was SOAR a crucial lifeline for ensuring educational success, but it also fostered a sense of belonging for multicultural students.

This invaluable program's absence will  leave a gaping hole in the community, which can lead to a decrease in diversity at BYU. Without dedicated initiatives to support and prepare underrepresented students, we risk losing talented individuals who could bring new perspectives to our university community.

By signing this petition, you advocate for the reinstatement of a program that not only altered the trajectories of many young students and their posterity but also enriched the campus culture with its emphasis on understanding and inclusion. Let’s urge BYU to bring back SOAR and continue its legacy of empowering multicultural students to reach their full potential and find a place of belonging. 

Please share a brief paragraph either on this petition or by emailing to savebyusoar@gmail.com and help us reach our goal of collecting 1,000 stories about how SOAR has helped countless multicultural students and their families.