Our Projects

Project CREST

Project CREST is a collaborative, research-driven initiative designed to support schools in building stronger, more resilient students and families. Project CREST partners with schools to deliver evidence-based programs tailored to each school’s priorities. These programs equip students and their caregivers with practical skills to strengthen relationships, prevent or manage behavioral challenges, and support overall well-being.

Project CREST is designed to help schools enhance family engagement, teach skills based on each school’s identified needs, and create opportunities for schools to learn from one another by sharing successful strategies.

At its core, Project CREST focuses on helping schools foster confident, resilient students who can thrive academically, maintain strong mental and emotional health, avoid risky behaviors, and successfully navigate life’s challenges with the support of their families.

Project Coordinator: Amy Torres
Funders: Salt Lake County Opioid Settlement, Salt Lake County Health Department, MyKearns Coalition, Intermountain Health Care, Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

Youth Engagement Partner (YEP) Squads

YEP Squads (Youth Engagement Partners) are student-led groups that give young people a voice and a chance to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. Through YEP Squads, students work together to raise awareness about issues that matter to them, plan activities, and take part in projects that support healthy, supportive environments.

YEP Squad members build leadership skills by creating social media campaigns, leading peer-to-peer activities, and helping with school and community events. They also partner with local organizations and support initiatives like Project CREST, gaining hands-on experience while helping others.

The program focuses on helping students feel confident, connected, and heard. By working as a team, sharing their ideas, and taking the lead on projects, youth develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills they can use throughout their lives.

At its core, YEP Squads empower young people to step up as leaders, strengthen their communities, and make a meaningful difference.

Project Coordinator: Melanie Pickens
Funders: Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Salt Lake County Opioid Settlement

Too Good For Drugs & Violence

Too Good for Drugs is a program for elementary and junior high students that helps kids and teens learn how to make positive choices and handle everyday challenges. Offered during the school year, it focuses on building confidence, improving communication, and helping students feel good about themselves and their relationships with others.

Through fun and interactive lessons, students practice skills like setting goals, dealing with peer pressure, and making healthy decisions. The program also encourages strong friendships and a sense of belonging, helping students feel supported both in and out of school.

In partnership with Salt Lake County Afterschool Programs and Granite School District, Too Good for Drugs is taught in 10 sessions, each lasting about 45 minutes. These sessions give students a supportive space to learn and grow while building skills they can use every day.

Project Coordinator: Becky Whitaker
Funder: Salt Lake County Health Department

Granite Communities Youth Court

Youth Court is a program that gives students a chance to take responsibility for their actions in a supportive and respectful setting. USU Extension Salt Lake County works in partnership with Granite School District to provide an alternative to the traditional juvenile justice system for students who have committed first-time, low-level offenses.

Instead of going through court, students appear before a panel of trained peers who guide them through a process focused on learning, accountability, and making things right. This approach helps students reflect on their choices, repair harm, and move forward without gaining a formal record.

Youth Court also creates opportunities for students to get involved as volunteers, where they can take on roles such as judges, clerks, and advocates. Through this experience, both participants and volunteers build important life skills like leadership, empathy, and community responsibility.

At its core, Youth Court helps young people learn from mistakes, strengthen connections with their community, and develop the skills they need to make better choices in the future.

Project Coordinator: Angie Peters
Funder: Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)