Groundbreaking One Utah Service Fellowship Kicks Off Year One With Strong Impact

A new state fellowship from UServeUtah and Utah State University’s Center for Community Engagement gives young adults the chance to serve their communities while earning funding for college or technical education.

The One Utah Service Fellowship is the first of its kind in the nation to combine state, private and federal funding into an AmeriCorps program. More host sites are sought to take advantage of the state’s committed young adult fellows.

Supported by Gov. Spencer Cox during the 2024 legislative cycle, the fellowship was signed into law on March 18, 2024, as part of a comprehensive plan to increase volunteerism among youth and young adults.

The fellowship program emphasizes the governor’s “One Utah” vision in which “everybody is invited … no one will outwork us, service is at our core, and we listen and show empathy.”

Since August 2024, the program has made significant strides, with 700 fellowship applications submitted, 66 individuals currently in the enrollment process, and 500 fellows enrolled and actively serving across the state. The program is developing rapidly in 26 out of Utah’s 29 counties, With 283 identified service sites across the state and programming in eight higher education institutions.

“Through the One Utah Service Fellowship Program, we are giving young adults the chance to integrate a service mindset into their future career pathways and play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing needs of their communities,” said Program Director Janell C. Torres, at the Center for Community Engagement at USU. “We are proud to offer this unique opportunity to support Utah’s future leaders while simultaneously improving the quality of life for residents statewide.”

The fellowship serves as a bridge between service and education, offering a platform for fellows to engage in meaningful work in areas such as education, health care and nonprofit public service, all while benefiting from education awards and financial support. As the program continues to grow, it remains committed to expanding its reach and helping Utah’s young adults build a lifetime of service leadership.

To see available fellowship opportunities, visit serve.utah.gov.

For more information about the One Utah Service Fellowship Program or becoming a host site, please visit www.oneutahservice.org.