University Neighborhood Partners (UNP) is a pioneering organization at the University of Utah that stands as a model for meaningful community engagement. Dedicated to connecting university resources with the needs and aspirations of Salt Lake County communities, UNP addresses systemic challenges while empowering residents to co-create opportunities for growth and education. Under the leadership of Jennifer Mayer-Glenn, director of UNP as well as an experienced educator and community advocate, UNP has extended its impact by building bridges between institutions and historically underrepresented communities.
Among its many areas of focus, UNP’s work in West Valley City has become a shining example of how collaborative partnerships can foster sustainable change in a dynamic and diverse community. Erick Garcia, Administrative Officer at UNP and a long-time resident of the area, offers insight into the organization’s mission and remarkable impact.
UNP’s Mission: Partnership Through Empowerment
At its core, UNP’s mission is to bridge the gap between the University of Utah’s resources and the lived realities of Salt Lake’s westside communities. By centering its work on local voices and knowledge, UNP ensures that its programs and initiatives are co-designed with and for the communities they serve.
“Our goal is to capture the energy already present in communities and create partnerships around that energy,” Garcia says. “We don’t impose solutions. Instead, we bring people together—residents, organizations, and university representatives—so they can collaboratively drive change.”
Garcia likens his role to that of a connector. “I don’t host programs myself, but I facilitate conversations and partnerships among people with shared values and goals. It’s about creating a table where everyone has a seat.”
Signature Programs: Turning Ideas into Action
One of UNP’s standout initiatives is the Westside Leadership Institute, a college-level leadership course designed for community members. Participants earn college credit for a nominal fee while gaining the tools to transform their ideas into impactful projects. Many initiatives born from the institute have flourished for over a decade.
Recent additions to UNP’s portfolio of programs highlight its innovation and responsiveness to local needs:
Codability: This program offers computer programming courses in languages other than English, breaking down barriers to tech industry careers for non-English speakers.
Breathe Retreat: This initiative, a creative response to West Valley’s lack of green spaces, organizes tree-planting events to enhance the community’s natural environment.
“These programs are incubators for change,” Garcia explains. “If someone has an idea but doesn’t know how to bring it to life, UNP helps turn that vision into reality.”
Expanding Access to Healthcare in West Valley
While UNP isn’t a health care provider, its partnerships with University of Utah Health exemplify how it tackles systemic challenges. RyLee Curtis, Director of Community Engagement, and Liliana Martinez, Health Partnership Manager, work closely with UNP to improve health care access and deepen the university’s understanding of barriers that exist.
The new West Valley Hospital & Health Center aims to improve health care access and educational opportunities in the area. UNP plays a vital role in integrating community voices into its planning and development.
West Valley City’s vibrant diversity, suburban character, and rapid growth present both challenges and opportunities. Recognizing this, UNP has adopted a tailored approach to community engagement. By forming Westside Community United (formerly the West Valley Resident Committee) and a Steering Committee comprising residents, business owners, school representatives, and nonprofit leaders, UNP has ensured that local voices guide its work.
“We’ve facilitated numerous discussions with the community to understand their health care experiences and barriers,” Garcia says. “This feedback has been instrumental in shaping campus services and ensuring it addresses the unique needs of this community.”
In addition to improving access to medical care, the campus will serve as a hub for education and workforce development, opening pathways to careers in health care and beyond.
“This isn’t just about building a medical facility,” Garcia notes. “It’s about creating a space where health, education, and community intersect—a space that uplifts the entire region.”
Garcia’s personal connection to West Valley and neighboring Magna fuels his passion for this work. “This is my community,” he says. “Helping others discover their voices and make a difference here is incredibly fulfilling.”
Cultivating Lasting Impact
From tree-planting initiatives to health care focus groups, UNP’s efforts in West Valley yield tangible results. UNP’s most profound impact lies in the relationships it builds—among residents, organizations, and the University of Utah.
“UNP doesn’t take over,” Garcia emphasizes. “It enhances the incredible work already happening in the community. By fostering partnerships and investing in local leadership, we’re building something sustainable. The collaborations we’ve nurtured over the years have a ripple effect that extends into the future.”
University Neighborhood Partners continues to engage with West Valley residents and leaders to develop education and health initiatives. Its work demonstrates that true progress is rooted in empowering and collaborating with communities.
Whether you’re a resident, volunteer, donor, or potential partner, UNP invites you to be part of its mission. Together, we can build bridges and create lasting change.