In alignment with the University of Utah’s mission and values, the Sorenson Impact Center Student Program prepares students to lead in their chosen fields with impact through: a unique pedagogy that includes both theoretical education and practical learning experiences; promoting interdisciplinary engagement; and local and global involvement.
Impact Definition
Develop Impact Proficiency
This is achieved through a set of workshops around social impact topics and through mentorship. In addition, Social Impact courses are available to University of Utah registered students.
Real Work Experience
The track internships provide the students with the hands-on experience needed to develop skills in a specific field.
Access Meaningful Networks
The program exposes students to a wide network of social impact professionals through career focus events and conferences, with a focus on career development.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The program is inclusive, and designed for equity. We value diversity and do the extra work to ensure it. Impact includes a more equitable world. The students in the program will be part of a diverse cohort with students from all over the country from different backgrounds and diverse fields of study.
The student experience
“I worked with the Marketing and Communications team, helping develop and promote outreach programs, as well as tracking their efficacy. I was also a member of the Student Coalition on Higher Education, the student advocacy wing of the MAPS project. The MAPS project strives to identify and communicate systemic barriers in higher education.”
– Abhi Harikumar, Impact Strategy Intern
The student experience
“My Sorenson experience has been unique in that I feel like I am more than just an intern. I’m treated as an equal and my opinion is truly valued. I take on projects that are important to me and get to see my ideas come to fruition with full support from the center. The genuine support and compassion I have received from students and staff has been unmatched!”
– Delaney Gates, Operations Intern
The student experience
“I support this mission by doing branding and design work for the different projects we are working on and strategically telling these stories. What’s incredible about this work is how it is real. It’s impactful and every day I’m supported by a network of people who actually care and want to have an impact on this world.”
– Xander Johnson, Graphic Design Intern
The student experience
“I joined Sorenson last year in October. The center has always supported and provided new opportunities for the student employees. I love the way that everybody in the center is always ready to help you out and guide you in the right direction.”
– Aastha Sharma, Impact Finance Intern
A Day in the Life of a Sorenson Intern
Internship areas
Communications and Marketing
Communications and Marketing
The Marketing Communication team includes Content Writers, Graphic Designers, Film producers, Film makers, PR/Communication specialist, and social media. They have the opportunity to engage with real-world clients while building their skills and portfolio. This client-facing work is always changing and new projects start frequently.
Data Science
Data science Impact Fellows work alongside the data science team to provide customized data diagnostics for clients, write code, learn best practices around data sharing and security, as well as create data visualizations and dashboards.
Impact Investing
The student-led investing team underwrites venture capital deals for investing clients (e.g., venture funds, foundations, family offices). Analysts accepted into the program will receive unparalleled venture capital experience by completing due diligence into early-stage start-ups and recommending investments to our clients.
Impact Finance
Impact Finance team works to design innovative financing structures that better address social problems including: Pay for Success, Opportunity Zones, community development finance, and innovative finance among others. They work at the intersection of community needs, the needs of underserved populations and the needs and requirements of private and public investment capital.
Impact Strategy
The Impact Strategy team works with social issues and public policy while exploring innovative tools being used to address social issues today, including Pay for Success projects, data-driven decision making, and performance-based contracting. Issue areas may include homelessness, criminal recidivism, public health, early childhood education, higher education, environmental preservation, economic development, and more.
Operations
The Operations team oversees the day-to-day management of the center, including the Student Program. They work with HR, communication, and financial processes that touch on every corner of the organization.
Program requirements
- up to 20 hours per week
- minimum 2 semesters
- Friday morning meetings
Or, attend an info session:
University of Utah Strategy
The Sorenson Impact Center Student Program aligns and supports the University of Utah’s Strategy.
University of Utah Strategy
Title IX Statement
The University of Utah is committed to providing a supportive learning environment and fostering safe, healthy relationships among our students. To do so, the University will immediately and appropriately respond to reports of sexual misconduct, including the offenses of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are the most egregious forms of sex discrimination. University policy also prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. These offenses are subject to the same accountability standards as offenses against individuals in any protected class and the same kinds of support are available.
When OEO receives a report of sexual misconduct, the university will respond by providing information about support and resources on campus and will also explain options for addressing the behavior including filing a Formal Complaint with the OEO under university policy and/or reporting to law enforcement. Supportive Measures are available to those who experience Sexual Misconduct, whether or not you choose to file a Formal Complaint or report to law enforcement.
Sherrie Hayashi
Title IX Coordinator/Director
Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA)
135 Park Building
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-8365
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu.
More information about the University policies can be found at our website at oeo.utah.edu. Relevant University of Utah’s policies can be found at:
Student Safety
Our student intern safety is important to us, as such we encourage student interns to use the following resources available to them through the University of Utah. In an emergency, dial 911 or seek a nearby emergency phone (throughout campus). Report any crimes or suspicious people to 801-585-COPS; this number will get you to a dispatch officer at the University of Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS; dps.utah.edu). If at any time, you would like to be escorted by a security officer to or from areas on campus, DPS will help — just give a call. The University of Utah seeks to provide a safe and healthy experience for students, employees, and others who make use of campus facilities. In support fo this goal, the University has established confidential resources and support services to assist students who may have been affected by harassment, abusive relationships, or sexual misconduct. A detailed listing of University Resources for campus safety can be found at https://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/campussafety.php
Our student and staff well-being is key to your personal safety. If you are in crisis, call 801-587-3000; help is close. The university has additional excellent resources to promote emotional and physical wellness, including the Counseling Center (https://counselingcenter.utah.edu), the Wellness Center (https://wellness.utah.edu), and the Women’s Resource Center (https://womenscenter.utah.edu). Counselors and advocates in these centers can help guide you to other resources to address a range of issues, including substance abuse and addiction.