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This month, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship Fund for Youth with committee members, alumni, graduating scholars, and the families, educators, and mentors who have supported them throughout their education journeys. Over the last 10 years, the Deborah Bayle Scholarship has helped more than 100 students pursue post-secondary education. In addition to financial support for tuition, books, and other education expenses, United Way of Salt Lake provides students with resources and ongoing support throughout their college journey—building access and opportunity for all students.
Although the school year has come to an end, our work to create opportunities for Utah kids and families continues in full force thanks to partners and supporters like you. Please read on to learn more about the impact of the Deborah Bayle Scholarship, updates about the REACH Initiative, and more.
Warm Regards,
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Bill Crim
President & CEO, United Way of Salt Lake |
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PROGRAM UPDATE
Celebrating 10 Years of the Deborah Bayle Scholarship Fund for Youth
Twenty scholarship recipients, the largest cohort in the program's history, graduate this year with degrees ranging from nursing and psychology to computer science, business, and more. Attendees at this year's celebration heard from two students about how receiving the scholarship opened doors of opportunity, and from Andrew Busath, a World Languages and Latinos in Action teacher at Kearns High School, who reflected on the impact the scholarship has had for his students throughout the years.
Luisa is a 2026 graduate from Salt Lake Community College with an Associate degree in History. She shared about her experience discovering her passion and building self-confidence in college, and discussed her plans to continue her studies at the University of Utah to pursue a Bachelor's degree in History and Latin American Studies. Luisa's ultimate goal is to go to graduate school to become a researcher and professor.
"The opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education was meaningful for me because I want to be successful in life, achieve something that not all people can access, pay back all the sacrifices my family has made for me, and make them and all the people who have supported me proud," Luisa said. "This scholarship has been a pillar that has supported me, and that continues inspiring me to not give up and pursue my dream." |
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
A Diamond Donor's Legacy of Impact
For more than 20 years, Crystal Low has demonstrated extraordinary philanthropy and leadership in helping local children and families thrive. Her support for United Way of Salt Lake began during a Zions Bank employee giving campaign and has grown into more than two decades of impact as a Diamond Donor (those who have contributed over 20 years or more).
Her commitment to the community extends beyond generosity. Low has served on the United Way of Salt Lake board, most recently as outgoing chair, where she championed the power of partnerships to support families and create meaningful change across the community. With a personal connection to the work, Low understands how critical it is for families to have the right support at the right time.
"United Way is for everyone," said Low. "When kids thrive, our communities thrive." |
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Nationwide Advocacy, Local Impact
Amber Gracanin is a dedicated volunteer and leader who serves on United Way Worldwide's Women United Global Leadership Council, a global advisory board dedicated to championing opportunities for women in nearly 200 communities. Last month, she represented United Way of Salt Lake in Washington, D.C., advocating for policies tied to housing stability, food accessibility, utility support, and expanded access to 211 services nationwide.
"Amber is an outstanding leader committed to ensuring our work achieves results for kids in Utah," said Bill Crim, President & CEO of United Way of Salt Lake. "She has a compassionate approach to her work within the community, and we are honored to have her represent United Way of Salt Lake on the Global Leadership Council."
Through her commitment to advocacy and service, Gracanin continues to create meaningful change for children and families in Utah, across the nation, and around the globe. By bringing communities together, championing equitable access to resources, and elevating the voices of families in need, she exemplifies the power of compassionate leadership and collective impact. |
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ADVOCACY UPDATE
REACH Update & Primary Elections
United Way of Salt Lake advocates were instrumental in passing SB165 and establishing the REACH Initiative. Now, REACH is forging a path to expand the proven community-based partnership model statewide, creating opportunities and improving economic mobility for more than 200,000 kids in 24 communities.
As part of this work, Promise Partnership Utah hosted two events last month in Logan and Richfield to convene nearly 100 leaders and partners from Central and Southern Utah to discuss how they can shape the future of rural opportunities in our state. Watch this video and read the story created by national partner Harlem Children's Zone, to learn more about this legislative milestone.
The primary election is coming up on June 23, and for many races, this is the main election. Please educate yourself on the candidates and their policy positions and VOTE! The deadline to register is June 12, and you can check your voter registration here. Ballots were mailed on June 2, so many of you will have received one if there is a primary race for your registered party. If you did not receive a ballot or are an independent, the Democratic primary is open and you can still request a ballot from your county clerk or vote in person.
If you live in Salt Lake County, go here to request a ballot. Mail-in ballots must be received by your county clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day, a change that was enacted by HB300 last year. Additionally, in our role as partners in the Utah Education Debate Coalition, we are hosting a few State School Board debates before the primary and then before the general election. Check out our listings and join the conversation! |
Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities
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Stuff the Bus Supply Drives
June – August
Stuff the Bus is just around the corner! This summer, help gather school supplies for students in the new school year.
Learn More |
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