In April 2023, at the closing session of Prosperity Scholars, Professor Stephen Alder, Executive Director of the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity and faculty advisor for the group gave a preview of the new Center student programming called Prosperity U. This new branding incorporates student programming hosted from the Center and will be in partnership with the Sorenson Impact Institute.
Alder noted in his preview the new student experience initiative came about in response to wide interest and aspirations shown in Prosperity Scholars. Prosperity U was developed to increase the scope of opportunities to improve relevance for the growing number of students participating.
So what is Prosperity U and how do you get involved?
Prosperity U is a new transformative set of student experiences focused on engaging students academically, personally, and professionally. Prosperity U looks to advance learning and engagement in the developing field of Prosperity Science and practice with the objective of finding ways for people, families, communities, and countries to continually improve life quality and well-being. Prosperity science and practice is a relatively new field focused on improving local and global communities. The program embraces a multidisciplinary approach to current local and global challenges and encourages student participation from all majors.
Prosperity U will provide students with opportunities to incorporate innovation and social entrepreneurship strategies to benefit individuals and communities. The projects and learning opportunities within Prosperity U will help students develop hands-on problem-solving and critical thinking skills to understand complex problems. Students will also learn to understand and explore sustainable solutions that promote prosperity and social development. The aim is to get students engaged in leadership, networking, and mentorship activities consistent with their academic and professional goals.
The culmination of this student experience will be through the practical application of prosperity science throughout the world. The program will award Prosperity U Global Experience Scholarships to outstanding student leaders and participants. Through the global experience program, students will have the opportunity to work in international development and community engagement through established on-the-ground partnerships. They will learn how to work with communities to build capacity with the goal of a more prosperous world for all.
For all students interested in participating in Prosperity U, please visit the Prosperity U website for a listing of events and opportunities.
We are excited to see the growth and development of Prosperity U and the impact it will have through change-making students at the U.