The University of Utah is the state’s flagship research institution and is located in metropolitan Salt Lake City at the foot of the Wasatch mountain range. Salt Lake City’s rapid growth in recent years has enhanced its position as a cultural center with strong opportunities for research with diverse populations. The Salt Lake City School District as well as other districts in the state enroll majority or near-majority communities of ethnically diverse students including significant international refugee, Latina/o, and Native American populations. District and community partnerships across the state link to multiple college preparation programs and research efforts.