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Our Story

The Beginning

2016 – A new vision for youth

At the Seminaries and Institutes Annual Training Broadcast, Elder Kim B. Clark, General Authority Seventy and Commissioner of the Church Educational System, introduced a Board of Education–approved vision to expand access to academic and spiritual learning wherever the Church is organized. This vision became the foundation for BYU-Pathway Worldwide, EnglishConnect, and Succeed in School. Succeed in School was designed to complement the work of Seminaries and Institutes by helping youth ages 11-18 become confident learners, prepared for higher education, self-reliance, and spiritual growth.
Elder Kim B. Clark as the Commissioner of the Church Education System at the time of this quote.
“Seminaries and Institutes will have responsibility for the implementation and management of the secondary education programs in the initiative. These efforts...will focus on educational support for at-risk students and on developing English capability.”
Elder Kim B. Clark, Emeritus General Authority and Former Commissioner of the Church Educational System, S&I Annual Training Broadcast, June 14, 2016
“Seminaries and Institutes will have responsibility for the implementation and management of the secondary education programs in the initiative. These efforts...will focus on educational support for at-risk students and on developing English capability.”
Elder Kim B. Clark, Emeritus General Authority and Former Commissioner of the Church Educational System, S&I Annual Training Broadcast, June 14, 2016
Elder Kim B. Clark as the Commissioner of the Church Education System at the time of this quote.

A Modest Start

2016-2019 – The first pilots
Succeed in School launched its first pilot programs in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, providing support to dozens of students in reading, writing, and mathematics. Pilots expanded to Ghana and Haiti, and the new Study & Life Skills course was developed to help youth succeed both in school and in life.

Building Momentum

2020–2023 – Pandemic pivots and powerful progress
Although COVID-19 slowed expansion, it sparked innovation. A new Exam Preparation course was developed to help students in West Africa succeed on high-stakes national exams. During this time, the Church Board of Education approved full program expansion across the Africa West Area and authorized the use of Succeed in School resources on Native American reservations in the U.S. Southwest Area.
Independent research by the Church Research Division confirmed remarkable results:
Over
95%
of students reported academic
improvement and exam success
Seminary enrollment and retention went up
62%
across the Africa West Area
Seminary enrollment and retention went up
62%
across the Africa West Area
Over
95%
of students reported academic
improvement and exam success

Worldwide Growth

2024- present – Expansion
The Church Board of Education approved Succeed in School for many additional areas: Africa Central, Africa South, the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe Central, Brazil, and parts of the United States, including the U.S. Southwest Area and pilots in Utah. Revision of the Study and Life Skills product to be in alignment with and to amplify Seminary Life Preparation lessons.

A Growing Legacy

From dozens of students in 2016 to over 50,000 in 2026, Succeed in School is answering the call of inspired Church leaders to bless youth around the world—wherever they are. With support from priesthood leaders and inspired volunteer teachers, the program is transforming lives, strengthening families, and preparing a generation to lead in their homes, the Church, and their communities.