FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Nick Thiriot, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, nick.thiriot@utah.edu, 801-842-9150

October 15, 2025 (Salt Lake City) – The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute released a comprehensive review of community-based strategies aimed at improving educational achievement and workforce development for Utah youth. The report, commissioned by the Utah State Legislature, examines how community partnerships that engage parents, families, schools, service providers, and communities can effectively improve education, health, and economic outcomes.

“This research underscores the potential of community-based partnerships in creating pathways to success for Utah youth,” said Andrea Brandley, senior education analyst at the Gardner Institute and author of the report. “By aligning education, health, and community support, we can create environments where children have the opportunity to thrive.”

“This report reinforces that the best solutions can come from our own communities,” said Utah Sen. Lincoln Fillmore. “When we work together, we can improve outcomes for kids no matter their circumstances.”

Key findings include the following:

Geography matters – Utah children in higher-poverty areas face lower rates of upward mobility, lower educational attainment, and shorter life expectancy compared with peers in more economically advantaged neighborhoods.

Ingredients to success – Features of effective community-based partnerships include a shared vision, cross-sector collaboration, a coordinating backbone structure, use of timely data, community-led solutions, and sustainable funding.

National and state models – National initiatives such as Harlem Children’s Zone and StriveTogether, as well as community-based work occurring in other states, provide illustrative examples of funding, governance, and accountability.

Local Utah initiatives – Programs like Promise South Salt Lake and the Roy Cone Project report reductions in juvenile arrests, higher graduation rates, and improved academic outcomes.

Investment in children – Utah invests heavily in children and youth, with over 40% of the state budget dedicated to education and other youth-focused programs. Businesses, nonprofits, federal and local government, schools, and families also support Utah’s youth. Better alignment within and across these efforts could strengthen outcomes.

The full report is now available online.

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