Church News Young adults 'part of something historic' as institute celebrates 100 years
Mar 17, 2026
Yaw (Yao) Danso, associate administrator with Africa leadership experience, and Chad H. Webb, administrator for Seminaries and Institutes and Sunday School leader, discuss the Institutes centennial. They cover enrollment growth and local initiatives. They talk about community and belonging, teaching by the Spirit, innovative programs, global expansion, and centennial celebrations.
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Institute Reaches Near One Million Students
- Seminary and institute combined now serve over 922,000 students with about half in Institute and rapid recent growth driving toward one million this centennial year.
- Institute enrollment grew by more than 108,000 students last year, with over 100,000 added in the last two years solely in Institute.
Community and Relevance Drive Growth
- Growth is driven by teachers creating community, answering questions, and meeting young adults' needs rather than just lecturing.
- Surveyed students wanted Heavenly Father's love, practical life help, relevance, and answers, and Institute adapted to meet those needs.
Cape Coast Course Boosted Enrollment 75%
- In Cape Coast, Ghana, institute leaders asked students what they needed and created a course on dating, courting, and marriage in the Lord's way.
- Weekly practice assignments and reporting drove a 75% increase in enrollment there.