Build Teen Resource Centers

In 2023, The Policy Project secured funding from the Utah Legislature and private donors to build resource centers to support vulnerable students.

See the impact

The Problem

An increasing number of Utah’s K-12 students struggle to meet basic needs due to factors outside their control: a sharp decline in affordable housing, rapid inflation, wage stagnation, job insecurity, and growing mental health challenges of the adults in their lives.

34%

Increase in students experiencing homelessness in Utah since 2020.

15,500

Utah students experience homelessness—lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

1 in 3

Utah students are economically disadvantaged.

No student can focus on algebra when they’re hungry. No student can plan for the future without clean clothes for the day. When basic needs aren’t met, learning takes a back seat.

The Solution

During the 2023 Utah Legislative Session, The Policy Project worked to secure $15 million in state funding and $2.7 million in private funding for the creation and expansion of Teen Centers in schools.

  • 72 schools in 32 LEAs received grant awards 

  • 86 schools will have operational Teen Centers by the end of 2025

  • An estimated 87,200 students will gain increased access to basic needs and support services each year

What is a Teen Center?

A Teen Center is a dedicated space within a school that helps students meet basic needs while also connecting them with supportive services. Each Teen Center is uniquely tailored to its local community, with services determined by school and community leaders based on student needs.

 Common services include:

  • Food pantries

  • Clothing

  • Laundry facilities and supplies

  • Shower facilities and toiletry supplies

  • Referrals to community resources

  • Wellness spaces to support mental and emotional regulation

  • Support from a trusted mentor

After Teen Center services were introduced at a rural high school, the graduation rate increased by almost 20%.

The Impact

Teen Centers support positive outcomes such as:

Increased
graduation rates

Peer-to-peer advocacy and service

De-stigmatization
of basic needs

Increased support for rural schools

Reliable access to trusted, caring adults

A stronger, more productive future workforce

Disruption of intergenerational poverty

Restored student confidence and dignity

Real Stories. Real Impact.

  • Cedar Ridge High School Graduate

    "The Teen Center gave me space to focus on school and work through personal challenges. I found a job, secured transportation, and now I’m attending Snow College—on my way to becoming a lawyer to help others like me."

  • Roy High School Administrator

    "For a young person sleeping in the parking lot, the Teen Center provided a lifeline—a place to clean up and feel human before facing the day."

  • Polaris High School Student

    "I used to get in trouble at work for having a dirty uniform. Thanks to the Teen Center, I can wash my clothes twice a week during school. It’s made a huge difference in how I feel about myself and my school work."

  • Student in St. George

    "I was super behind on my credits after missing a bunch of school. The Teen Center connected me with a mentor who helped me stay on track. Now I’m actually on pace to graduate—and I didn’t think that was possible a few months ago."

  • Student in Eagle Mountain

    "I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field but didn’t know where to start. The Teen Center helped me find CNA classes and showed me how to apply for scholarships. Now I’m getting real experience and feel excited about my future."

  • Student in Richfield

    "When the weather started getting cold, I was still wearing sandals because I didn’t have sneakers. One of the staff at the Teen Center noticed and helped me find a pair, along with a hoodie and warm socks. It might sound small, but walking to school warm and comfortable completely changed my day."

Ongoing Support

The Policy Project continues to support Utah’s 80+ resource centers by:

  • Building and supporting a network of Teen Center leaders to share best-practices, partnerships, and funding opportunities

  • Developing a comprehensive resource toolkit with communication, training, advocacy, and financial guidance

  • Establishing systems to collect utilization data to measure impact and inform future efforts

Donate $25

Provide a student with school supplies for an entire school year.

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