2025 has been a monumental year for BYU Continuing Education (CE) as it has worked to fulfill its mission of “Inspiring Lifelong Learning to Benefit the World.” Here are some of the following ways how:
In January, BYU CE held new student orientation (NSO) for the FlexGE, BYU Online High School, and Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) programs. FlexGE students participated in both campus-wide NSO and program-specific sessions, helping them feel more connected as they began taking BYU classes. BYU Online High School welcomed nearly 20 new freshmen and supported them through newsletters, parent info calls, and an online orientation day. New BGS students prepared for their return to BYU through the Student Development 100 course, designed to refresh essential academic skills.
In February, in collaboration with the BYU Alumni Association, BYU CE participated in a tailgate at the BYU men’s basketball game at the University of Central Florida. BYU Basketball jerseys featuring “BYU Continuing Education” emblazoned on the chest with the Big XII logo opposite, which were well-received, and the event as a whole was a resounding success.
In March, BYU's Life After Loss Conference, which aims to help people struggling with the loss of a loved one, was held at the BYU Conference Center. Speakers for the event included Gail Miller, Sean Covey, and Sunny Mahe.
In April, BYU Independent Study (BYU IS), which has seen consistent year-over-year growth, culminated this year in a record-high enrollment in high school courses. In addition to enrollment numbers, the number of high school courses developed annually also saw an increase, expanding the reach of the program.
In May, BYU Women’s Conference saw a turnout of more than 12,000 attendees, featuring over 90 sessions led by 175 speakers. Notable speakers included J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency; Susan H. Porter, Primary General President; and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who closed the conference teaching, “We rejoice in the Lord’s assurance that He will stand by us and give us guidance and direction.”
In June, Richard M. Houseman, dean of BYU CE, delivered the weekly devotional address in the Marriott Center, with a message entitled Go to Light, Be Filled with Light, and Share Light. After several weeks of preparation, Houseman encouraged listeners, “Have the faith to go to Jesus Christ! His light is the most joyous influence in our lives when we make Him the most desirable influence in our lives.”
In July, the Books for Young Readers (BFYR) Conference brought together authors, educators, librarians, students, and more, all of whom have a shared passion for literature. This year’s lineup featured a rich blend of talent from across the children's literature spectrum, including Brandon Mull, Jasmine Warga, Ellen Oh, Rafael López, Nikki Grimes, and Ann Bausum. The conference highlighted a sense of community, hospitality, and care for visiting authors and emphasized themes such as banned books, the importance of wonder, and the crucial role librarians play as safe spaces for kids.
In August, BYU Education Week saw an estimated attendance of over 17,000 participants from all around the world, who chose from nearly 1,000 classes that covered topics including religion, marriage, parenting, health, finance, and more, from returning and first-time presenters. Part of this year’s conference included a Tuesday devotional address from Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles entitled An Ear to Wisdom, a Heart to Understanding, where he taught, “No matter what else you hear today, I hope you will hear that, in His time and way, every glorious blessing in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is meant personally for you.”
In September, Especially For Youth (EFY) celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades since the program began as a small summer camp in Provo, Utah, and has grown into a movement that has reached nearly a million youth worldwide. An event was hosted at the Harman Building, which featured messages from Brad Wilcox, Bruce Chang, John Bytheway, and Susan Overstree. Other EFY staples, including uplifting music, classic line dances, games, pizza, and a variety show, were also part of the event.
In October, as part of BYU’s sesquicentennial anniversary, BYU CE hosted a “Night of Light Celebration” in the Harman Building. The event highlighted the many programs within CE—from EFY and Independent Study to Education Week and Women’s Conference—and drew more than 500 attendees from across campus and the Provo community. Guests enjoyed program showcases, food, music from Mountain Strings, and the “Celebrating the Light” essay contest, making the evening a memorable tribute to CE’s mission to inspire lifelong learning.
In November, the Life After Divorce Conference took place on Friday and Saturday, November 7–8, 2025, centered on the theme “We Look to Christ.” The conference aimed to help individuals move forward with faith and hope after experiencing divorce. Classes covered topics such as healing, combating loneliness, establishing healthy boundaries, effective communication, navigating life transitions, and strengthening personal faith. Featured speakers included Dr. Taunalyn Ford, Anthony R. Sweat, Camille Fronk Olson, and Elder Lynn G. Robbins, emeritus General Authority.
In December, BYU President C. Shane Reese released a new video spotlighting the opportunities available at the BYU Salt Lake Center. The video emphasized the Center’s flexibility for BYU, FlexGE, and BGS students, highlighting convenient course options, graduate program access, personalized advising, and the welcoming downtown campus experience. The launch showcased the center as a hub of academic excellence and support, inviting learners to discover what’s possible close to home.