A century has passed, and Institute continues to offer all young adults a place to gather and learn about Jesus Christ. From its humble beginnings in Moscow, Idaho in 1926, it has now evolved to reach across the globe into various countries. Seminaries & Institutes are about to reach a never-before-seen milestone of 1 million participants worldwide who are eager to receive more of the Savior’s light. Here in Laie, the Institute program mirrors that same global mission through meaningful connection, growth, and spiritual development.
A Place for Everyone
Although Institute classes take place on BYU–Hawaii’s campus, all young adults are invited to participate, not just students. “The program here is called the Laie Institute, not the BYU–Hawaii Institute,” said Aaron Shumway, an associate professor and faculty of religious education. “The Institute is for all young single adults in our area, regardless of student status.”
Echoing that sentiment, Peter Meyers, a religious educator who has taught seminary and Institute for 25 years, said, "Our goal is to help young adults be converted to Christ, find relevance and power in Him, and learn how to follow Him.” He later added, “We serve the whole community. We have people of other faiths who attend. We have people who don’t currently go to church who come,” he shared. “For many, Institute becomes a first step of faith.”
Shumway emphasized the sense of belonging Institute offers, saying, “Institute is a great way for non-student young adults to mix and mingle with their peers in a spiritual and fun environment. We want them to feel like they belong.”
For Meyers, the program is a place where young adults can come and feel unpressured— “Come when you can. If you’re too busy for a couple of weeks, it’s not a big deal. That’s not what we do. Our goal is not to pressure people.”
“It’s really just this safe place, and we work hard to create an environment of trust and love.” Meyers added. “People can come and be filled with God’s love, hope, and encouragement.”
A Mighty Change of Heart
The power of conversion is seen among those who attend this divinely inspired program. “We had a student who came four years ago—not the kind of kid you would expect to attend Institute—and we watched conversion happen. He put in his mission papers on the very last day he could and served two years in Liberia,” shared Meyers. “Those are miracles. We get to see that kind of growth in a much more intimate way.”
Shumway pointed to a promise from President Russell M. Nelson, who taught that attending Institute helps young adults feel Heavenly Father’s love, build faithful friendships, and experience a sense of belonging and joy. Shumway said he has seen those promises fulfilled “in the lives of so many of our Institute-attending young adults.”
“Institute has helped me feel more balanced. It reminds me to make time for my spiritual life, not just my academic life,” said Rachel Garside, a student from Texas studying marketing and supply chain. “I didn’t expect how much Institute would help me with my daily choices—not just church things, but real-life decisions.”
Why It Matters Now
Institute’s impact is not limited to a single semester. “I don’t just see students for one semester and then they’re gone,” said Meyers. “I have young adults here that I get to teach for two, three, sometimes four or five years. I get to continue to be part of their journey as they progress and grow.”
He noted that during the young adult years, many students face significant academic, personal, and spiritual pressures. “Between the ages of 18 and 35, people are making some of the biggest decisions of their lives,” Meyers said. “If there’s ever a time they need additional support from heaven, it’s during those years.”
As Institute enters its second century, the program in Laie continues to serve as a steady source of guidance and connection for young adults seeking balance, belonging, and direction in their lives.