Community Engagement Student Spotlight: USU Student Helps Local Youth Find Confidence

LOGAN, Utah — When Utah State University student Britta Charnholm walks into an Athletics United tutoring session, she’s typically greeted by a gaggle of kids calling her name and running over for a hug. It’s a small moment, but for Charnholm, it captures the heart of community engagement.

As the Youth Engagement Lead for the Christensen Office of Service and Sustainability (COSAS), part of USU’s Center for Community Engagement, Charnholm focuses much of her time on the Athletics United tutoring program. The program connects local youth with USU students who offer homework help, reading support and mentorship.

“As the Youth Engagement Lead, I recruit USU volunteers and oversee tutoring sessions for local youth who need a safe and supportive place to learn and have fun,” Charnholm said. “I got involved because I wanted to do good in the community and help others see how powerful their actions can be.”

Charnholm’s connection to Athletics United began long before she joined COSAS. As a first-year student, she volunteered at both tutoring sessions and running practices, where she met COSAS leads who inspired her to get more involved.

“Hearing about the work they did and the difference they made in the community made me eager to be a part of something similar,” Charnholm said.

That same year, Charnholm joined a CCE Alternative Spring Break trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, where she not only learned about animal welfare, but also the impact a small number of committed people can have on a community over time.

“Both my work with Athletics United and my experience with Alternative Breaks solidified my decision to apply for the COSAS Youth Engagement Lead position,” Charnholm said.

Through the tutoring program, Charnholm has learned lessons that reach far beyond academics.

“The youth have taught me how much consistency and positivity matters,” she said. “Showing up on time and being genuinely happy to be there builds trust. Following through on what you say really sticks with them. The kids remember.”

One memory that stands out for Charnholm came during an Athletics United practice when she worked with a group of students who were new to the United States.

“We didn’t share a language, but we connected through smiles, running and singing little songs,” she said. “The next time I showed up to running practice, they were so excited to see me, and I was reminded that connection doesn’t always need words. It grows from small, positive actions.”

As a social work major, Charnholm has found that community engagement is its own teacher.

“I have been able to see firsthand how concepts I learn in class apply to everyday situations,” she said. “Community engagement allows me to reflect and make improvements. I can apply what I learn and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of working with individuals and systems.”

Looking ahead, Charnholm hopes to continue her community-engaged work beyond graduation.

“Once I complete my master’s in social work, it’s been a dream of mine to volunteer with the Peace Corps,” she said. “I want to immerse myself in another culture and language and apply my degree in an international setting.”

In preparation for Peace Corps, Charnholm is completing the Peace Corps Prep certificate through the CCE and studying Spanish.

“My professors tell me the best way to learn is to immerse yourself in the language and culture,” she said. “The Peace Corps would allow me to do this while also making a difference in the lives of others. The thought of getting out of my comfort zone by living in a new country for two years makes me nervous but it’s exciting.”

For other students interested in getting involved, Charnholm’s advice is simple: just show up.

“Sometimes opportunities don’t seem like the perfect fit at first,” she said. “But if you stick with it and keep showing up, you’ll build connections and relationships and that’s where the magic happens.”

This year, Charnholm says she’s especially proud of the collaborations she’s helped build.

“Through COSAS, I meet weekly with students who are just as passionate about serving others. We support one another and share ideas,” she said. “I’ve also been working with a group of First Gen students to explore how we can better support those we serve by listening to local residents about what they would like to see in their community.”

The CCE provides USU students with hands-on opportunities that strengthen communities while developing workforce-ready skills. In addition to her Youth Engagement leadership role, Charnholm is completing the Peace Corps Prep Certificate and earning the Christensen Community-Engaged Scholar transcript designation through the CCE.

Students, faculty and staff interested in getting involved with the CCE or volunteering with Britta and Athletics United can email CommunityEngagement@usu.edu or visit AggiePulse to learn more.

More information on USU Center for Community Engagement can be found at https://www.usu.edu/communityengagement/.