Inspiring Utah's students to serve

Volunteer for Good

Volunteer for Good is Utah’s high school service initiative, designed to explore the impacts on students’ academics, social connections, civic engagement, and mental well-being through service. The program is in a pilot phase which started in July 2024 with five local education agencies (LEAs)—Garfield, Granite, Nebo, Sevier, and Mountain Heights Academy. In the program, high school students serve their communities and reflect on their impact.
Apply to join the pilot expansion
Lt. Governor Henderson speaks with high school students
Group of high school students assembling donation kits
Light blue lockers with a poster reading "VFG Volunteer for GOOD you can make a DIFFERENCE. Get started"
Group of high school students volunteering in an outdoor garden

The need

Utah’s public education system is built on principles of civic engagement, career readiness, and strong moral values (Utah Code 53E-2-301.1). While academic outcomes have been a key focus the last few decades, there is a growing need to strengthen students’ personal and community connections to support their academics and mental well-being.
Lt. Governor henderson speaking with two high school students wearing red shirts

Service in action

In a moving display of community spirit in Sevier School District, Cedar Ridge High School students stepped up to support a beloved teacher following the loss of her son. The young man, who had spent his time in the hospital battling cancer by assembling Lego sets, left behind a collection of unassembled sets that held deep meaning for his family. To honor him, students dedicated their time to meticulously completing them as well as rebuilding his favorite sets, turning grief into a beautiful act of remembrance. The family was so moved by this gesture that the completed creations were displayed at the funeral - a poignant tribute to the young man’s joyful spirit and the enduring bond between a teacher and her students. Stories like this remind us of the power of volunteerism in Utah.
Red lego bricks in the shape of a heart surrounded by lego bricks of assorted colors

Pilot program impact: Year 2

Pilot year 2: academic year 2025-2026
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participating students in 23 schools
0
hours of service completed
$0
economic impact

Cumulative pilot impact

August 2024 - present
0
participating students in 23 schools
0
hours of service completed
$0
economic impact
Last updated 5/20/2026

> Explore Volunteer for Good Year 1 impact

What we expect to see

Four women are planting seeds in a garden bed on a sunny day.

Stronger student commitment to volunteering and civic engagement.

Three students serve food to another student at a cafeteria counter with metal trays.

Healthier youth with strong academic outcomes, social skills, and mental wellbeing.

Maple Mountain High School

Increased connection and collaboration between schools and their local communities.

UServeUtah youth council members pose with Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson at the Utah State Capitol.

Greater awareness of youth service among state leaders, educators, organizations and families.

Lt. Governor Henderson participating in a service project alongside high school students in an indoor setting

Data-driven proof of concept for broader program adoption and implementation.

A group of seven graduates in black robes and caps with red tassels poses together outdoors, celebrating their achievement.

Integration of service as a core element of high school education in Utah.

Rethinking service

Service goes beyond traditional volunteerism—it can take many forms based on students’ strengths and interests. The Volunteer for Good program offers meaningful, tailored opportunities to empower students to see themselves as change-makers in their communities. The Community Engagement Pathways framework helps connect students’ skills and goals with community needs.
Explore the Community Engagement Pathways
Three high school students smile at camera wearing beige shirts with "VFG" on the front

Pilot underway, program expanding now

Volunteer for Good is expanding from its initial five-LEA pilot to a gradual statewide rollout. UServeUtah is seeking additional educational entities to implement Volunteer for Good in their high schools during the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative includes a robust service-tracking software platform and supports Utah's goal of fostering a culture of service among high schools across the state serving students in grades nine through 12. Selected entities will use the tracking system and program resources to boost student volunteerism, gather participation data, evaluate engagement levels and support the growth of Utah's Volunteer for Good program.

Key benefits include:

  • Public program toolkit
  • Annual program and software training
  • Participation data included on website
  • Volunteer for Good branded tracking software portal
  • Software support
  • Program support through the One Utah Service Fellowship

For additional information or questions, please reach out to Judy Hut at [email protected].

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