A Decade of Impact

• Since 2006, over 340 west side residents, including close to 100 Spanish-speakers, have registered as University of Utah students through their involvement with UNP partnerships, with the support of Continuing Education at the University of Utah. More than 250 of these students have received University credit through contract courses creating access points for underrepresented populations at the U.
• The creation of 15 new University courses that link academic teaching and research with community-based UNP partnerships. These include 3 Honors Think Tanks and a new, innovative curriculum model that brings University of Utah students and community residents together in the same course space in an ongoing, reciprocal exchange of knowledge and information.
• The training of over 180 local community leaders through the Westside Leadership Institute, whose subsequent work in the neighborhoods has had a broad economic impact through the creation of new non-profits ($100,000 annually), influencing the flow of public resources to the neighborhoods ($400 million in new TRAX realignment), new small businesses created, and other channels. WLI grads have raised more than $250,000 in cash and inkind donations for their projects.
• A growing list of academic scholarship (currently over 150 entries in UNP’s bibliography of community-engaged scholarship, which includes books, journal articles, conference presentations, public scholarship, and student research) that demonstrates that powerful new knowledge is created through these partnerships that can shape disciplines and academic work in new ways.
• Partnership work connects west side residents to formal and informal leadership positions that change systems:

Examples include:

• Parent liaisons at schools (e.g. Mountain View/Glendale School- Community Council Chair/Parent Resource Center Coordinator and Leadership Committee at CLC)
• Adult and youth Resident Committees at Hartland
• Work by resident leaders and Mountian View Elementary has led the school to develop new standards for parent-teacher conferences that facilitate 2-way conversation; the school is also facilitating more home visits from teachers; local schools also going into the community more (e.x. 15 teachers from 3 schools attended Hartland Party); data from focus groups integrated into classroom curriculum and showcased in school announcement and “Hall of Fame”; invitation to Resident Committee to continue monthly sessions next year at two schools.
• Of 90 total NAAN (New American Academic Network) participants (60 active), 15 have gone on to higher education and 45 are in preparation (entrance exams, etc) phase. 11 Jobs have resulted from partnership.
• 30 Humanities in Focus grads have gone on to higher education

Community partnerships are the key to strengthening our communities. University Neighborhood Partners exemplifies the building blocks of Salt Lake City and the success of our community as a whole. Salt Lake City is fortunate to benefit from an organization that works tirelessly to help our youth reach their highest potential while connecting families and communities with the University. Congratulations on 10 years of excellence. Best wishes for many more years of community success ahead.

Ralph Becker
Mayor, Salt Lake City