Why young adults are choosing spiritual classes in big numbers

Record Enrollment as the Program Celebrates 100 Years

Every year, more than a million young people worldwide step into a classroom not just to learn—but to connect, grow, and prepare for what lies ahead. The Church’s Seminaries and Institutes program, now celebrating its centennial, has shattered enrollment records, drawing in an unprecedented wave of students eager to explore faith in a deeper way.

In a recent call to action, President Oaks, the leader of the Church, urged 14-to-18-year-olds to prioritize attendance—not as passive listeners, but as active participants in a journey toward closeness with Jesus. These classes, he emphasized, are more than lectures; they are lifelines where teens find answers to daily struggles, gain clarity for life’s big steps—college, service missions, family—and forge bonds that extend far beyond the classroom walls. His invitation was clear: Bring your friends. Grow together.

Beyond High School: Institutes for Young Adults

For those stepping into adulthood, the Institutes program offers a space to wrestle with deeper faith questions, cultivate lifelong friendships, and find solace in structured learning. President Oaks reassures that the discipline of weekly attendance brings not just knowledge, but peace in turbulent times.

The program’s momentum shows no sign of slowing. Recent enrollment surges—200,000 new students—include 75,000 from outside the faith, revealing a striking truth: these classes are not just for one community. They are expanding, evolving, and welcoming the curious from all backgrounds.

Stories That Speak Louder Than Numbers

While statistics tell part of the story, the real impact unfolds in the lives of those who walk through the doors:

• A woman who had spent years hearing about Jesus in church finally felt a personal connection to the Savior, a bond she had long sought.
• A teen credited his daily seminary routine with giving him a steady foundation to grow spiritually, even amid chaos.
• A student described her institute class as a safe harbor, where friendships deepened and the concept of grace unfolded naturally over time.

An Open Door in a Busy World

These stories reveal a pattern that transcends culture, background, and belief: the promise of friendship, understanding, and inner calm is drawing diverse groups together. Skeptics may question how these classes fit into already packed schedules, but one thing is certain—the invitation stands, and the doors keep widening.

As Seminaries and Institutes mark 100 years of shaping minds and souls, one thing is undeniable: the journey of faith for young people has never been more vibrant—or more necessary.