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. Keoki Leong, a former SOAR participant and now a medical resident, shares how the program transformed his life. 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. The program's impact is evident in Leong's success as the only college graduate in a family of seven. However, the news of the program'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. She emphasizes that losing SOAR will leave many students without the connections and support they need to thrive. BYU has responded to the petition, confirming that the 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. BYU is exploring alternative ways to strengthen student success and college preparedness, reflecting its unique spiritual and educational mission. Despite the challenges, Leong expresses hope that with sufficient student support, the program or a similar initiative can be revived, ensuring that the benefits of SOAR continue to reach future generations of students.
