Community Bridge Initiative Pilot Year

Linking Community Need to Interdisciplinary University Resources:

Modeled after the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program, USU developed the Community Bridge Initiative (CBI) to match multidisciplinary courses to a community identified set of projects. Students work with community leaders to define meaningful solutions, develop action plans and implement projects directly relevant to their course curriculum.

The USU Center for Community Engagement (CCE) piloted this project during the 2015 calendar year, offering 14 courses in the first year that addressed the following topics:

  • Citywide Tree Plan
  • Analysis of Recycling Programs
  • Neighborhood Improvement
  • Logan City After-School Programs
  • GIS Story Map
  • Air Quality Improvement Strategies
  • Planning for Residential Development

CBI Projects

CBI projects are intended to address community need as defined by the community. Projects vary based on partner needs and course objectives, but the following list of successful CBI projects can be used to provide examples.

Rural Recycling Program

Cache Valley has for over 10 years provided curbside recycling. However, in rural areas of the county, the efficiency of recycling collection is lower, largely because residences and recycling bins are more dispersed. To make the existing program more efficient and cost-effective, Mayor Craig Petersen requested, through the Community Bridge Initiative, that USU conduct a cost–benefit analysis of the current rural recycling routes. Two complete reports were written that analyzed expenses and included a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the rural recycling program, as well as seven different options to be considered in making decisions about the rural recycling program. 100% of the students felt that the course was positive and that they would list this experience on their resume.

Air Quality Improvement with Logan City

Faculty and students at USU joined forces with Logan City to help improve local air quality. While the Environmental Sociology class conducted surveys of local perspectives on air quality, the Air Quality Measurement course conducted a carbon monoxide experiment, and a Communicating Sustainability course joined with a local high school and Logan City to provide a clean-air poster contest, further educating the community and students about local air-quality concerns. 100% of the students felt that the courses were positive and that they would list this experience on their resume.

Potential Project Areas

  • Urban Planning
  • Infrastructure Projects
  • Business Planning
  • Communications
  • Graphic Design
  • PR/Marketing
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Economic Development
  • Arts and Administration
  • Product Design
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Public Policy
  • Education
  • Spanish/Multicultural
  • Energy Use Audit
  • Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Plans
  • Employee Ride-Share Programs
  • Recycling &/or Composting
  • Local Food Sourcing

Pilot Year Report

2015 1st year report