Pursuit Co. fills whole left by closure of public adult education program

August 9, 2026 - 03:03

This fall, Pursuit Co. will launch its first full semester of classes, stepping into the space left vacant by the closure of Salt Lake City's public adult education program. The nonprofit has arranged to rent classroom space in local schools and will hold sessions on weekday evenings to accommodate working adults.

Co-founders Heather Santos and Teresa Anderson-Myers met while attending those very same adult education classes. When they learned the program was shutting down, they saw a direct need in their own community and decided to act. Instead of letting students lose access to essential learning, they built a new structure from the ground up.

The two women are not career administrators. They were students themselves, which shapes how they run things. Their approach is practical, focused on what adult learners actually need: flexible hours, low cost, and a welcoming environment. The classes will cover basic subjects like math, reading, and English language skills, but also offer preparation for high school equivalency exams.

Renting space in existing schools keeps overhead low, and the evening schedule means the buildings are used when they would otherwise sit empty. Pursuit Co. is not trying to replace the old program entirely, but it is giving people a place to continue their education without having to travel far or pay high fees. Enrollment is open now, and the first classes are expected to fill quickly.