April 25, 2011 – On Thursday, April 28, the Lowell Bennion Community Service Center’s annual Project Youth event will host more than 600 sixth graders from Title I schools to the University of Utah campus to experience college life and inspire them to pursue higher education.

That day from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the children will participate in activities that span the university’s curricula, from environmental studies to modern dance, to engineering and medicine, to architecture, poetry and more. The day will culminate with a power rally at 12:15 p.m. in the Union Ballroom. The rally will feature Utes football Coach Kyle Whittingham and mascot Swoop, U of U student athletes, student leaders and other inspiring speakers who have overcome challenges and achieved academic success. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The Bennion Center is seeking over 100 volunteers to serve as mentors for the day and help guide the groups of children to their activities. University of Utah students interested in volunteering are asked to meet at the Olpin Union Building for registration and breakfast. Pre-registration to volunteer is not required, but it is encouraged.

For more than 20 years, the University of Utah’s Lowell Bennion Community Service Center has hosted this annual event. Project Youth is a student-directed program in which University of Utah students work with the Salt Lake School District and university departments to plan activities that are designed to spark an interest within students who otherwise may not have considered college as an option for their future. The program also provides meaningful mentoring experience for college students, while engaging U of U faculty, departments and programs in community outreach, highlighting what the U has to offer students and the community.

To volunteer, or for a complete schedule of activities, contact Christy Tobolski at ctobolski@sa.utah.edu or 801-581-8436.