The following content is archived, and is being kept for reference, research, or recordkeeping.
Investing in Utah’s Future Workforce
In a rapidly evolving job market, Utah is investing in its most valuable asset: Its people. The One Utah Service Fellowship is a transformative AmeriCorps program designed to give young Utahns the tools they need to step into meaningful careers, pursue higher education, and develop the kind of real-world skills that change lives, both theirs and neighbors in the communities they serve. From education and healthcare to public health and construction, One Utah Service Fellows are making an impact today while building the workforce of tomorrow.
What makes the One Utah Service Fellowship stand out is its emphasis on hands-on experience, community impact, and career development. Fellows serve in positions that directly address community needs across the state. In the process, they’re developing professional skills that lead to careers in healthcare, education, public service, and more.
Fellows in Action
Take Kassandra, who served with DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff. Her work on housing for the Navajo Nation involved pouring concrete foundations, reinforcing structures with rebar, and working closely with future homeowners. “This experience pushed me to grow both personally and professionally,” she said, emphasizing how construction and teamwork became tools not just for building homes, but building careers.
Fellows like Emily, working with The Wellness Farm Foundation, are also gaining management experience. She designed and began implementing a full volunteer program from recruitment and onboarding to training and retention. “This directly addresses the community need for accessible volunteer opportunities,” she said, while also building her own skills in organizational leadership.
Discovering Careers Through Service
Many fellows are simultaneously students or recent graduates, using their fellowship terms of service to complement their academic work. Others discover their future paths through service itself. Alexa, a fellow at the SLCC Dental Hygiene Clinic, found that working in the community deepened her understanding of her field and gave her clarity about her goals. She served Special Olympics athletes and became passionate about providing dental care to adults with special needs. “I want to pursue more opportunities to help people in need of specialized care,” she said. Her story reflects how service can shape both passion and profession.
Similarly, Carter, who served at Roots Charter High School, noted that helping students with math, English, and history helped him envision his own future. “Talking with them about future plans after high school has informed my plans for my future as well,” he reflected.
For Amy, serving in a psychiatric facility as part of her master’s of dietetics program, seeing a patient finally manage his diabetes diet was a powerful affirmation of her career choice. “I’m so happy to see the lessons and time turn into good results,” she said.
More Than Technical Skills
In addition to technical skills, fellows gain the interpersonal, leadership, and critical thinking skills that today’s employers are looking for. Kortnie, a nursing fellow at Southern Utah University, found herself comforting a mother during an emergency C-section. “It was a really cool moment to be able to comfort a mom who was very scared,” she said. These human moments teach resilience, empathy, and poise under pressure, skills that are as critical in the workforce as any degree.
Likewise, Brooke, serving in education, learned how to connect with students often labeled as “troublemakers.” “It’s important to practice patience,” she said, demonstrating how emotional intelligence is cultivated through real-life experience.
And Mauricio, with the American Red Cross, learned just how impactful logistics and coordination can be. After witnessing a donation event for military families, he shared, “It was a powerful reminder that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small, plays a role in creating meaningful change.”
One of the most powerful aspects of the fellowship is how fellows are given real responsibility and trusted with high-impact projects. Xander, serving with the American Red Cross, was tasked with coordinating multiple community health coalitions in underserved neighborhoods like Rose Park and West Valley. “Such a coordination has not been done before, even at a state level,” he explained. His work could streamline health resources for thousands.
Meanwhile, Torrey, working with Special Olympics Utah, led a health fair in partnership with the Salt Lake County School Board. “We impacted the community in a positive way,” he said, noting that even the school superintendent received care during the event. These are not just resume builders, but resumes in action.
Fellows are shaping their careers and changing lives. Whether it’s Kiana, who brought a first-time dental patient to tears with the results of a simple cleaning, or Allie, who formed nonverbal connections with children through equine therapy, the stories coming out of the One Utah Service Fellowship are powerful reminders that service builds resumes and futures.
Building a Pipeline for Utah’s Future
At its core, the One Utah Service Fellowship is about workforce development through service. Utah faces growing needs in healthcare, education, housing, and other sectors. This program addresses those needs while giving the next generation of leaders the training, education awards, and mentorship they need to step into careers that matter.
In return for their service, fellows receive:
- A living stipend
- An education award for future tuition or student loan repayment
- Professional training and mentorship
- A network of peers and professionals across the state
The result? A growing pipeline of committed, skilled, and service-minded young professionals ready to lead Utah into the future.
—
Get Involved
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to gain career experience, serve your community, and invest in your future, the One Utah Service Fellowship could be your next step. Learn more at oneutahservice.org.
