Students, Make Your University of Utah Experience World-Class by Joining Prosperity Scholars
Join the UU community; connect with other students; work directly with leading faculty members on research, innovation, and creative projects; learn from world leaders; create solutions to prosperity challenges; engage with community partners for real-world impact all to make your University of Utah experience world-class!
The University of Utah Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity is offering a new transformative co-curricular program for students to advance learning and engagement in prosperity science and practice. Prosperity science and practice is a relatively new field focused on improving the economic, social, and political well-being of communities, both local and global. The program embraces a multidisciplinary approach to current local and global challenges and encourages student participation from all majors. For incoming students – Prosperity Scholars supports President Randall’s UTAH Fresh initiative.
Students have told us they want to engage in meaningful work with impact now, as well as after they graduate. They also tell us they are looking for ways to learn and engage in topics outside of their major, create a sense of belonging and community with like-minded individuals, and strengthen their skillset to meet future academic and professional goals.
Gage Urry, a sophomore majoring in Health, Society, and Policy, says, “No matter what you are studying or what you are interested in, you can probably find something in Prosperity Scholars that is going to enhance your education, provide you with new skills, and create new relations with colleagues and professionals that will contribute to your overall education.”
While Prosperity Scholars is associated with Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, you do not have to be affiliated with the center or the school of business. Urry urges students to get involved regardless of major, “You can literally be studying anything you like. Come to Prosperity Scholars, if you have an idea and want to make it happen, let’s do it. We have so many resources and flexibility in the program, especially with Professor Stephen Alder’s expertise in shaping ideas to make it work for the group. It is very open. Lots of clubs are specific to one particular topic. Come and tell us what you want to do.”
Through Prosperity Scholars, students engage in incorporating innovation and social entrepreneurship strategies to benefit individuals and communities. Students develop hands-on problem-solving and critical thinking skills that empower them to understand complex problems and explore sustainable solutions that promote prosperity and social development.
Stephanie Dutson, a graduate student working towards a Master in International Affairs and Global Enterprise (MIAGE), commented on her involvement in the program, “The group is already having conversations around how to help the community, establishing what prosperity is, and deciding on projects to get involved in. Most people there want to make some sort of impact.” Dutson also noted the group has an impact on each other as students. ”For the few meetings we have already had, I have felt an impact and it has opened my perspective on how I can help people, and help myself. The group of students in Prosperity Scholars are great, I feel like they are great friends of mine. And everyone is passionate about helping other people. That makes it fun to all be together and build ideas off each other. You are creating friendships and building plans of how to make an impact in the community.”
The program also promotes global citizenship, and offers mentorship, leadership, and networking opportunities to help students reach their academic and professional goals. Students will learn how to work with communities to build capacity with the goal of a more prosperous world for all.
Reach out to learn more about Prosperity Scholars, email us at bhp@utah.edu or visit our website at eccles.link/gps.