Leadership Positions - Bennion Center - The University of Utah

All Student Leader positions are filled for the 2025-2026 academic-year!

Applications for 2026-2027 will open in Spring of 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions

This is the Bennion Center's longest running and largest student program. There are currently 43 local community partner organizations we work with for the year. Partner Liaison student leaders work directly with a specific partner to meet the community-identified goals of the organization while also recruiting and training student volunteers in support of their efforts. Don't worry, the majority of U of U student volunteer recruitment is achieved through the Volunteer Interest Form on our website.

All CPPs are organized into the following Issue Areas:

Advocacy
Arts & Recreation
Education
Health & Wellness
Mentorship
Sustainability & Food Justice

There are both on and off campus options to consider. The majority of them are located off campus and will require travel to volunteer on-site. We do our best to partner with organizations that are accessible through public transit, although there are a handful that do require a vehicle. You’ll also participate in meetings, trainings, and office hours in the Bennion Center, located inside the Union building, suite 101 (on the same floor as the food court).

All students currently enrolled at the U are eligible to apply! The benefit of being a part of the Bennion Center community is the mix of students from all majors, years, backgrounds, and identities. Prior volunteer experience or engagement with the Bennion Center is not required to apply.

Fall Semester: End of December/Beginning of January Applications OpenApplications are accepted on a rolling basis until ALL open positions for the year are filled.

Spring Semester: Interviews for positions and positions offers go out. Once positions are accepted, incoming student leaders have transition meetings with out-going student leadersWe’ll continue sharing any open positions throughout this semester.Right after finals, there is a mandatory Student Leader Orientation with the Bennion Center.

Summer Semester: Active participation if the program you are partnered with runs over the summer, you will be expected to keep in contact and volunteer with them—in whatever capacity is possible. If not, you will have a few tasks to prepare for the upcoming year. The active term for Bennion Center Student Leaders is approximately May of the year you’re accepted through April of the next year.

Reasons: Find like-minded people and be more involved on-campus and in the larger community.Continue history of volunteering as part of a group that has support and an impactBuild leadership experience, gain volunteer hours for future aspirations, and strengthen your resume.

We have all of our positions listed below with brief explanations, regardless of if they are filled for the upcoming/current year or not. Please review these and consider which options are most interesting to you. Please see the application to see which positions are still accepting applications. You can select up to 3 positions (in order of priority) on the application. Once we receive your application we’ll reach out to you about next steps.

Partner Liaisons - Community Partner Programs

Please review each program's listing in the Volunteer Interest Form for additional details.

Partner Liaisons (PLs) work collaboratively to connect volunteers from the U of U to nonprofits, schools, and government organizations to support the Bennion Center’s mission of inspiring and mobilizing people to strengthen communities. PLs lead efforts in volunteer recruitment, onboarding, retention, and recognition for the program/partner with which they are paired. Depending on the community partner, PLs may also support the planning and implementation of programming.  

PLs will gain valuable real-world skills including volunteer management, organization, communication, professional relationship building, facilitation, and how to equitably engage with the community.  

This is an unpaid, volunteer leadership position. If this is a barrier to your participation, we offer a limited number of need-based Helping Hand scholarships that range from $50 to $500 in the fall & spring.

Other than noted responsibilities (weekly office hour, Issue Area meetings, workshops) the responsibilities to the Bennion Center can be completed remotely. Volunteer work with the community partner will take place in person, check the position specific description to see any required availability.

Must be a degree-seeking University of Utah student. Position is open to undergraduate and graduate students.
We strongly recommend prospective PLs volunteer with or visit the community partner prior to applying. 
Support the Bennion Center’s values of Hope, Action, Collaboration, and Integrity, and our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging on and off campus.

Volunteer regularly within the respective program (see Volunteer Interest Form for a description of each program). 
Recruit, orient, train, and retain volunteers as necessary to meet community partner needs. 
Respond to prospective Volunteer Interest Forms (VIFs) within 24-48 hours. 
Maintain regular communication with your staff partner, community partner, and Issue Area Coordinator. 
Complete three Community Partner Agreement meetings by the established deadlines. 
Maintain a VIF tracking spreadsheet (a database of all prospective, current, and past volunteers, including contact information and university ID). 
Track and submit monthly hours served within your program by Bennion Center volunteers. 
Attend monthly meetings facilitated by the Issue Area Coordinator. 
Perform the duties required by the specific program (see specific program description for details). 
Be a Bennion Center Ambassador: build an in-depth understanding of the programs and opportunities at the Bennion Center. 
Some programs may have additional requirements including background checks, motor pool certification, or youth protection.

PLs are expected to serve 3-5 hours a week, depending on the program. Many programs also require engagement during the summer months (see application for details) although remote engagement might be possible depending on the program. 

Weekly 

1 office hour held at Bennion Center, duties may include:
Complete programmatic responsibilities
Meet with prospective volunteers
Program volunteer commitment (with Community Partner)

Monthly 

Issue Area Meeting 
Hours Logs/Reflections

Semester 

Attend Legacy of Lowell Saturday Service Project (Fall) & MLK Saturday Service Project (Spring) 
1 Leadership Workshop (per semester) 
2 hours outreach (per semester)

Yearly 

Student Leader Orientation Thursday, May 1st   from 10 am- 2pm  
3 Community Partner Agreement meetings

Partner Liaison positions by Issue Area

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provide disaster relief to those in need and assist with regional efforts such as blood drives, fire prevention, and more.

Best Friends Animal Society

Working to make Utah a no-kill state, Best Friends partners with shelters, rescues, and the community to save homeless pets. They run a Lifesaving Center in Sugar House and a veterinary clinic in Orem. Volunteer opportunities include animal care, clinic support, remote advocacy, and promoting pet-friendly laws.

Catholic Community Services

CCS supports refugees and individuals experiencing homelessness by promoting self-sufficiency and providing essential services. Volunteers assist with refugee resettlement, youth tutoring, transportation orientation, and meal service at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall.

International Rescue Committee

The IRC helps people impacted by conflict, disaster, and displacement to rebuild their lives. In Salt Lake City, volunteers support refugee resettlement through health access, childcare, housing setup, and community farming programs.

Pro Bono Initiative

This program engages undergraduate volunteers interested in law, social policy, and community impact. Volunteers assist law students at pro-bono legal clinics, gaining hands-on experience with legal processes and supporting underserved communities.

Ronald McDonald House

Dedicated to providing a home-away-from-home for families with hospitalized children, Ronald McDonald House offers comfort and support during challenging times. In this role, you will coordinate volunteer efforts to assist with household tasks and provide companionship to resident families.

Somali Self- Management Agency

Focused on empowering Somali immigrants and refugees, this agency offers resources for self-sufficiency and integration. As a Partner Liaison, you will facilitate programs that support education, employment, and cultural adaptation for Somali community members.

Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

This organization supports the growth and development of Hispanic-owned businesses in Utah. As a Partner Liaison, you will assist in organizing events and programs that promote economic development within the Hispanic community.

Youth Resource Center

Serving homeless and at-risk youth, this center provides essential services such as shelter, counseling, and education. As a Partner Liaison, you will coordinate volunteer activities to support these services and mentor youth in developing life skills.

Arts for Youth

Plan, implement, and teach arts-related activities for elementary/middle school-aged children at the Historic Scott School. Requires availability after school at least once a week.

Canyon Hopsice Music Therapy

Volunteers share their musical talents with hospice patients and residents of assisted living or nursing homes. Solo performances bring comfort and engagement, especially benefiting those in memory care by connecting through music.

Elevate Theater Company

Serve as a volunteer coach for individuals with disabilities to perform a musical in the spring semester. Availability on Saturday mornings is required for rehearsal.

Special Olympics Utah Team

Support individuals with intellectual disabilities through year-round sports. Help with practices for local teams as a coach or unified partner. Must be available Saturday mornings.

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Support the Utah Symphony and Opera performances by hosting intermission receptions and running the gift shop. May also serve as a lead supporting other volunteers.

ACT Prep

ACT Prep prepares high school students for the ACT using a combination of ACT prep books and practice tests. Volunteers here have taken the ACT and are accustomed to standardized test-taking. Locations at the SLC Public Libraries: Marmalade and Foothill branches.

Bud Bailey Youth Tutoring

This program connects University of Utah students to provide tutoring and positive adult role models for low-income youth and adult learners. It supports English language learners and GED preparation by facilitating learning activities, homework help, and occasional assistance for adult ESL learners in small groups.

ESL Guadalupe

Guadalupe’s ESL program supports adult learners from diverse backgrounds in improving their English conversational and writing skills through small group tutoring (2-3 learners per group).

Hser Ner Moo

This program offers tutoring, mentoring, and arts or recreational activities for K-12 youth, many of whom are refugees. Volunteers support academic, social, and emotional growth through reading clubs, homework help, and group activities that promote positive youth development.

Refugee Job Club

This program supports refugees facing employment barriers by offering one-on-one job matching, application assistance, and job readiness education. Clients can drop in without pre-registration to work individually with staff and volunteers. The program also builds relationships with refugee-friendly employers to improve opportunities."

Road Home Literacy Night

Road Home Literacy Night is a program held for the kids at Palmer Court homeless shelter. This program involves playing with the kids, doing crafts, and even reading to them.

Project Read Utah

Project Read envisions a literate Utah where all have access to learning opportunities. Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring to improve English literacy and support adult learners in reading, writing, math, and computer skills. Additional roles include assisting with group activities, office tasks, and event support.

The Childrens Center

The Children's Center provides comprehensive mental health care to enhance the emotional well-being of toddlers, preschoolers, and their families. Volunteers are required to commit to 1 three-hour shift per week, located in West Valley

Friends for Sight

Support vision & glaucoma screenings throughout various community locations (schools, health fairs, etc.). Screenings typically take place during school or business hours, having your own transportation would be critical to supporting this organization on a weekly basis.

Hopsice and U

Hospice and U connects volunteers with local hospice agencies to provide companionship and support to patients receiving end-of-life care. Volunteers help improve comfort and quality of life for those facing serious illnesses, offering meaningful, hands-on experience in patient care.

Mailheh Free Clinic

Support the clinic’s mission of providing free, same-day urgent care to uninsured and underinsured patients. Ideal for those interested in healthcare and addressing health disparities.

Primary Children's Hospital

Assist children and families in the hospital by offering activities, companionship, and resource support. This role may involve working in various Intermountain Health facilities.

Rides for Wellness

Provide free, reliable transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities to their appointments. You must have your own vehicle and be comfortable working independently.

Salt Lake Veterans Home

Volunteers provide companionship and support to senior veterans, enhancing their physical and mental well-being. Activities include assisting with games, crafts, social events, and outings. This role offers valuable patient exposure hours and opportunities to build meaningful connections. Orientation, background check, and fingerprinting are required.

UAF Health

Support individuals living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS by promoting safe sex, facilitating STI testing, and assisting with basic needs. Great for those passionate about public health and advocacy.

Utah Naloxone

Help mitigate the opioid crisis by assembling naloxone kits and supporting clean needle exchange programs. Availability on Wednesday afternoons (3-4 hours) is required for kit-building sessions.

Best Buddies

Best Buddies at the U is a chapter that matches student volunteers into one-to-one friendships with adults with disabilities and hosts fun monthly events to promote inclusion throughout the Salt Lake community. The PL holds a leadership position within the chapter, recruits volunteers, helps plan events, and serves as the primary point of contact.

Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts of Utah collaborates with Title I schools and community centers throughout the Salt Lake Valley to offer the Girl Scouts experience to underserved communities. Student Leaders plan weekly activities and manage other volunteers to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants.

U-Fit

U-FIT is a family-centered program designed to support children and youth with special needs through physical activities in a fun, non-competitive environment. With the guidance of trained volunteers, participants will enhance motor skills, improve fitness, build self-esteem, and forge meaningful friendships. Friday night availability is required.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

One-to-one mentoring with children of various backgrounds and needs, aging from 6-18. All mentors are required to serve for at least one year to promote positive, long-lasting relationships.

Bicycle Collective

The Bicycle Collective promotes cycling as a sustainable and healthy transportation option by providing affordable refurbished bikes and parts. They educate the community and improve access to bikes, especially for children and low-income households, while reducing bicycle waste through refurbishment.

Edible Campus Gardens

Student Leaders work to engage the campus community in ecologically sound and just food systems through garden-based experience, education, and research. Our volunteer locations are split between the Pioneer Garden and Sill Garden both of which are located on campus.

Feed U Food Pantry

Feed U Food Pantry works to eliminate food insecurity among University of Utah students, staff, and faculty by providing free, nutritious, and accessible food—helping the community stay healthy and focused on success without the challenge of hunger.

Food Recovery Network

The Food Recovery Network mobilizes college students to recover and donate surplus food from their campuses, reduce CO2 emissions, and advocate for a more equitable food system. Our Student Leader will collaborate with the FRN chapter to promote their mission.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels delivers meals to home-bound seniors, helping them maintain independence. Student leaders and volunteers typically spend about an hour per week delivering meals in their neighborhoods and must have access to a personal vehicle.

Social Justice Gardens - Mountain View

Help afterschool youth learn and grow in the Glendale-Mountain View-Community Learning Center Community Garden. Afternoon availability on site and being self-directed is important for this PL to thrive.