High school students in Utah who show academic improvement and reach their goals could be rewarded for their efforts with a new car.

The $3 billion Mountain America Credit Union has joined the Ken Garff Automotive Group as co-title sponsor of the Success in Education Foundation's Keys to Success program.

The program recognizes Utah high school students for improving academically or setting and reaching goals with their teachers. Recognized students receive Key Cards, which can be redeemed online for a variety of prizes, including the chance to win one of five new cars during a KUTV News broadcast, according to the credit union.

Mountain America has a strong history of supporting financial education for youth and preparing them for wise money management as adults, said Sterling Nielsen, president/CEO of the credit union in West Jordan, Utah. He sees the new partnership as an extension of that mission.

Robert Garff, chairman of the Success in Education Foundation, said he agrees that community support for education is critical and sees the alliance with Mountain America as another way to use education to transform individuals and communities.