Due to changes in federal policy Brigham Young University will no longer be able to offer the SOAR program in its current form.
For years, BYU has hosted the summer program for high school students, designed to help prospective multicultural students receive resources and support during the BYU application process.
SOAR was a week-long camp where students stayed in on-campus dorms. Each day, they learned study skills, took SAT and ACT prep and toured campus with the assistance of counselors who were current BYU students. The program also provided scholarships for attendees who were later accepted to the university.
The goal of SOAR was to provide multicultural students with the opportunity to have a freshman experience at BYU and raise awareness about the resources available to students of color.
“We are grateful for the students, families and supporters who have been part of the SOAR program over the years. Due to changes in federal policy, Brigham Young University will no longer be able to offer the SOAR program in its current form,” said Audrey Perry Martin, Brigham Young University spokesperson.
Judy Siasoyco, a 2020 SOAR attendee and current public health major at BYU, said the program was pivotal for her.
“For me, I felt like SOAR really helped me prepare for the SATs and helped me prepare for a community that was welcoming here at BYU," Siasoyco said. "It also allowed me to come to BYU with the scholarship that was provided. So without it, I wouldn’t be here.”
SOAR was not just an academic camp; it was built on creating connections with advisors, counselors and most of all, each other.
Janae Lopez, a 2021 attendee and current psychology major, said SOAR gave her a place of belonging — a community connected by culture and heritage that eased her transition into college.
“I feel like I would have been really lonely … the good majority of people here are white, and you ... as a multicultural student, it’s just very difficult to find good people that share the same cultural values as you," Lopez said. "I think that’s something that’s a huge part of your identity. So without that, you’re just very alone.”
SOAR was a bridge of academia, culture and faith. For many attendees, it allowed them to find a place and purpose at BYU.
Sosaia Tupou, a 2024 attendee and current freshman majoring in psychology, said he found that purpose through the program.
“SOAR is the reason that I’m at BYU. It helped me feel more confident in my cultural identity and understanding my culture, so I think there will definitely be a loss of that among people that don’t have that opportunity," Tupou said.
The purpose of SOAR may have been academic, but for many, it was much more. For attendees, SOAR was a way to bring people together and to create a community centered on culture and faith.
Salome Finau, a 2023 SOAR counselor and current junior, shared her thoughts on the religious connection of the camp.
“All the disciples they all want us to come through and go forth. I think that the most Christlike way is bringing equity to the people,” Finau said.
While the overall impact of discontinuing SOAR remains to be seen, the connections it created are still felt today.
The BYU Latino Alumni Chapter is currently gathering SOAR experiences in hopes of saving the camp. The last day to submit stories is Feb. 1 via email at savebyusoar@gmail.com.
Despite the program’s conclusion, university leaders emphasized their continued commitment to supporting students’ academic futures.
"We encourage high school students to continue seeking out college preparation opportunities nationwide as they prepare for higher education and beyond,” said Martin.