About The Policy Project
The Period Project (2022)
Goal: Improve access to period products
The Problem: 1 in 4 girls cannot afford period products; many skip school rather than attend while menstruating.
The Solution: Utah Code 53G-4-413 requires free period products in school restrooms.
Impact: 324,600 students gain increased access each year
Survey Results (2024):
58% used school-provided products
56% attended school or activities they previously missed
76% felt more comfortable talking about menstruation
Ongoing Support:
Assisting schools with compliance
Creating resource toolkits for schools and parents
Exploring expansion to government buildings, higher ed, and workplaces
The Teen Center Project (2023)
Goal: Support vulnerable students
The Problem: 30% of Utah students are economically disadvantaged
The Solution: $15 million in state and $2.7 million in private funding granted to 72 school resource center projects
Teen Center Services May Include:
Caring adult support
Resource referrals
Food pantry
Laundry and hygiene facilities
Clothing and shoes
Impact: 87,200 students supported annually
Ongoing Support:
Building a network of teen center leaders
Developing comprehensive toolkits
Creating data collection systems to track impact
The Safe Child Project (2024)
Goal: Prevent child sexual abuse
The Problem: 1 in 7 Utah children are sexually abused before age 18
The Solution: Utah Code 53G-9-207 allocates $1.5 million in ongoing funding for K-6 prevention education
Prevention Options:
Partnering with state providers for in-class instruction
Applying for grants for alternate providers
Training school staff using state funds
Impact: 347,000 students educated every 2-3 years
Ongoing Support:
Engaging state, school, and prevention leaders
Providing funding support
Tailoring solutions for students with special needs
The Focused Student Project (2025)
Goal 1: Expand Access to Free School Lunch
The Problem: 1 in 6 Utah students faces food insecurity
The Solution: HB100 allocated $2.5 million to cover "reduced-price" lunches
Impact: 40,000 more students receive free lunch annually
Ongoing Support:
Reducing application barriers
Addressing food insecurity stigma
Partnering to reduce food waste
Goal 2: Limit Phones in the Classroom Distractions from Devices
The Problem: Smartphones disrupt classrooms and hurt student outcomes
The Solution: SB178 allows Utah schools to flip the standard—limiting device use while maintaining local control
Impact: 667,800 students affected by new policies
Ongoing Support:
Providing best practice models
Creating communication materials for schools
Sharing physical/digital tools to reduce distractions
