Hometown Scholars: Community Stewardship Meets Workforce Development
West Valley City believes in its residents and invests in its workforce. Hometown Scholars was created to help develop and maintain a sustainable city and workforce by improving opportunities for West Valley City students to earn college degrees. Since 2015, West Valley City Economic Development has funded My Hometown Scholarships for The University of Utah to distribute through their Opportunity Scholars program.
Students attending a West Valley City high school or who attend schools outside of city limits but still live within the city are eligible. From a community perspective, degrees are earned in a way that deepens scholarship recipients' roots in the community. Students are provided with housing and assisted with finding jobs and internships in West Valley City. The students give back to the broader community through volunteer work. By creating professional connections in West Valley City, these students are more likely to stay as part of the workforce. From students’ perspectives, avenues are opened for personal and career development and financial success that might otherwise have been out of reach.
As part of the Hometown Scholars awards, recipients are eligible to be housed at Fairbourne Station — next to the TRAX station — for an easy 15-minute commute to The University of Utah. Students are also provided other mentor and scholarship opportunities through the university to ensure their success.
In addition to housing, West Valley City grants around $90,000 to The University of Utah to distribute to the students. Community and business involvement in an annual golf tournament aids in funding the scholarships. Contact Nate Webster at Nate.webster@wvc-ut.gov or 801-963-3346 for details about how your business or organization can become involved.