One Utah Service Fellowship Named National Leader in Service Year Initiatives

SALT LAKE CITY — The One Utah Service Fellowship, a state supported AmeriCorps Program administered by Utah State University, has been recognized by Service Year Alliance as a national leader in service year initiatives.

This recognition coincides with the national launch of the Center for State Service Innovation — a groundbreaking effort to expand and strengthen state-based service year programs across the country.

Backed by philanthropic support from Carnegie Corporation of New York and Einhorn Collaborative, the Center for State Service Innovation is designed to help states create more robust, resilient and innovative service year programs through technical assistance, policy support and cross-state collaboration. The One Utah Service Fellowship was highlighted as a model for other states to follow.

“The One Utah Service Fellowship combines state, private and federal funding to offer young adults meaningful opportunities to engage in high-impact service that addresses Utah’s critical needs and priorities while simultaneously providing pathways to higher education,” stated Service Year Alliance. “These efforts come at a pivotal time for the future of national service.”

A service year is a paid opportunity for individuals to contribute to their communities while developing real-world skills that prepare them for successful careers. Over 60,000 young people serve each year, with most opportunities provided through AmeriCorps. However, growing demand and recent federal funding cuts have spurred the need for stronger state-level investments in national service.

Utah’s approach has positioned it as a national leader. The One Utah Service Fellowship, launched under Gov. Spencer Cox’s administration, exemplifies how a state can strategically blend funding and partnerships to meet local needs while strengthening civic engagement.

“We are honored to be recognized as a leader in this critical movement,” said Janell Torres, the fellowship program director. “We remain committed to expanding service year opportunities in Utah and building a lasting legacy of service and civic connection.”

The Center for State Service Innovation will be operated by Service Year Alliance in close partnership with America’s Service Commissions and More Perfect, offering direct support to select states, including staffing, stakeholder engagement, legislative advising and coalition-building.

“Service years are needed now more than ever in our country,” said Kristen Bennett, CEO of Service Year Alliance. “We envision a future where state service corps thrive alongside a robust national service sector. The Center for State Service Innovation exists to make that vision a reality — and Utah is already showing us what’s possible.”

To learn more about the One Utah Service Fellowship, visit www.oneutahservice.org or follow the fellowship on social media.

To explore the Center for State Service Innovation, visit https://www.serviceyearalliance.org/stateinnovation.