The 110,000 square foot state-of-the-art Wasatch Peaks Pathway Building will serve more local OTECH students who are prepared with financial knowledge and for high-demand careers.
Wasatch Peaks Credit Union has pledged $2 million to support the construction of a new building at Ogden-Weber Technical College (OTECH) in Ogden, Utah. This donation, along with state funding and other capital campaign gifts, will help the college complete the first new building on campus since 2011. This substantial sponsorship highlights Wasatch Peaks' dedication to education and community development, emphasizing its commitment to empowering students and enhancing financial literacy locally. The building will be named the Wasatch Peaks Pathway Building in recognition of this significant investment in student success. The groundbreaking for the Wasatch Peaks Pathway Building is scheduled for mid-2025, with completion and ribbon-cutting in 2027-28.
The new 110,000 square foot Wasatch Peaks Pathway Building marks a significant advancement by eliminating student waiting lists, streamlining student services, and reaching more individuals seeking in-demand skills that will transform lives and strengthen Utah's workforce. The building will feature a small, high-tech Wasatch Peaks branch, state-of-the-art instructional spaces, and industry-standard labs for high-wage, high-demand programs, while consolidating student services and expanding partnerships with university partners and local school districts.
Ogden-Weber Technical College, serving over 6,600 students in 32 programs, focuses on hands-on technical education to prepare students for the workforce. The new Wasatch Peaks Pathway Building will address the college's infrastructure needs and ensure students are ready for the job market upon graduation. In 2023, OTECH awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships, removing financial barriers and allowing more students than ever to complete technical certificates. At OTECH, thirty-one percent of students are economically disadvantaged and thirty-eight percent come from historically underrepresented groups.
College president James R. Taggart said, “This partnership hits close to home, because both Ogden-Weber Tech and Wasatch Peaks are focused on building prosperity for people right here in Weber County. The investment in student support services and world-class instructional space will change lives and provide pathways to success for decades to come. We are grateful that Wasatch Peaks is so committed to the success of current and future students and look forward to working closely with them to build additional student support resources.”
Jeff Shaw, President/CEO of Wasatch Peaks Credit Union, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "At Wasatch Peaks, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities. By investing in the Wasatch Peaks Pathway Building at Ogden-Weber Technical College, we are supporting the future workforce and contributing to a vibrant and prosperous community for all."
Additionally, Wasatch Peaks is committed to invest in the following:
- OTECH Branch: Full-service, high-tech credit union branch for students, faculty, staff, and the community
- OTECH student internships in business, accounting, marketing, IT, and other disciplines
- Scholarships for OTECH students
- Student financial literacy simulation software with decision-based learning
The naming sponsorship of the building symbolizes Wasatch Peaks' core values of community involvement, serving students, and promoting financial literacy. This initiative aligns with the credit union's mission to create meaningful impact beyond financial services and foster a culture of support and growth within the community.
The Wasatch Peaks Pathway Building at Ogden-Weber Technical College will stand as a beacon of opportunity and excellence, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and resources to acquire valuable skills and chart a path towards a successful future. This significant investment by Wasatch Peaks Credit Union demonstrates a shared commitment to building the next generation of leaders and empowering individuals to “Reach Your Peak!”
About Ogden-Weber Technical College: Ogden-Weber Technical College (OTECH) is one of sixteen colleges and universities that compose the Utah System of Higher Education. OTECH has offered hands-on technical education in Weber County since 1971. The college’s 30+ programs include certificates in business, computer technology, construction, apprenticeships, healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries. Thanks to industry-validated credentials, OTECH graduates make an average of $50,000 as they enter the workforce, with no student loan debt. College programs partner with over 200 local employers who ensure students gain the hands-on skills they need to build a career. OTECH graduates have a ninety-nine percent job placement rate in their field of study.
