Back
> ... Articles > Annual Report

Bringing Light to Generations

BYU-Pathway Worldwide students are connecting with their past and transforming their families through education

Lightbulbs

At President Brian Ashton’s inaugural dinner, Sister Melinda Ashton shared the impact her family’s emphasis on education had on her life:

Gaining an education changes the trajectory of a family. It raises expectations and influences plans and choices. Because my parents and grandmothers had all received university degrees, I thought it was normal and natural for me to receive one as well. I never had to agonize over the decision of whether I was capable of obtaining a degree or determine if it was worth the cost. … I desired to continue to receive those blessings and to share them with my future family. … That is the lasting impact of education and one reason why the work we do at BYU-Pathway is so important. It changes generations.
    
        
    
       1
x
Melinda Ashton, “The Transformative Blessings of Education” (BYU-Pathway Worldwide inauguration, Mar. 10, 2022), byupathway.org/speeches

As BYU-Pathway Worldwide continues to offer access to low-cost education, students will grow in light and knowledge, brightening opportunities for generations to come.

Connecting with the past

Black and white photo of a family sitting on a couch
Joyce with her husband and six children

Joyce Forman is a 90-year-old BYU-Pathway student from Nevada, USA, and she was just a baby when she lost her mother. Of the little she knew about her mother, Joyce knew she was passionate about education.

Joyce was inspired by her mother’s example of earning a degree and wanted the same for her own six children, 33 grandchildren, 98 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. So, at the age of 87, she said: "I'm going back to school to get my degree so when I meet my mom [after this life], I can say I got it."

Joyce Forman smiles in her cap and gown
90-year-old Joyce Forman graduated in July 2023.

Joyce started BYU-Pathway and graduated with her professional studies degree from BYU-Idaho in July 2023.

Influencing the present

Norene Jensen from Utah, USA, said, “People don’t realize the true impact of BYU-Pathway. It’s not just a ripple; it’s tidal waves.” Norene learned about BYU-Pathway from her daughter and son-in-law. After visiting one of their gatherings, she felt inspired to enroll. Since then, Norene’s other daughter and four of her grandchildren have also joined.

“Three generations of our family have enjoyed BYU-Pathway,” said Norene. “We have all supported one another through our studies. Our education will influence generations to come. I feel like I’m learning to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. It’s like He’s saying to me, ‘You’ve got it.’”

Impacting future generations

Before participating in BYU-Pathway, Ekpenyong Etim from Nigeria worried about being able to provide for his family. He said, “I was earning just enough to go on with life, and most times, I could not take care of my family.”

Man, woman and two kids smiling
Ekpenyong with his wife and two children

Ekpenyong knew he had to change something if he wanted better for his two young children. He chose to exercise faith and joined BYU-Pathway. Close to completing his associate degree, he was offered a remote job that’s helping him earn three times more than before.

Ekpenyong’s education has helped him provide for his family’s temporal needs, strengthen them spiritually, and, ultimately, give them brighter futures.

BYU-Pathway has given me a life where I can take care of my family. I spend more time at home, which brings me joy and contentment.
Ekpenyong Etim, Nigeria
Speaking of the far-reaching impact of BYU-Pathway, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “The instant success of this educational service is evidence enough of the reception it will continue to get around the world, holding aloft for all to see the hope that it instills and the good that it does for one generation after another, after another.” 2
x
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Inauguration Remarks” (BYU-Pathway Worldwide inauguration, Mar. 10, 2022), byupathway.org/speeches