Imagine U Day welcomed nearly 400 fifth and sixth graders from West Valley City to the University of Utah campus for a day of hands-on learning, career exploration, and college inspiration. As part of the U’s broader commitment to educational equity and West Valley’s future, the event gives early exposure to higher education and professional pathways, planting seeds of possibility for the next generation.
On May 21, the University of Utah opened its campus to nearly 400 fifth and sixth graders from West Valley City for its fourth annual Imagine U Day—an immersive event created to spark curiosity, broaden horizons, and show young students that college isn’t just a dream—instead it’s a real, reachable future.
This year’s event marked a significant milestone. Participation nearly doubled compared to previous years, signaling the university’s deepening commitment to educational equity and meaningful engagement with Utah’s westside communities.
Students from Hunter Elementary, Whittier Elementary, Hillside Elementary, and Ascent Academy took part in hands-on learning experiences tailored to their interests. The day featured 11 themed career tracks, including Medicine & Nursing, Engineering, Law, Fine Arts, Education, and Athletics. Each track was designed to introduce students to potential career paths and help them envision themselves as future professionals.
In the Health track, students practiced taking vital signs and explored surgical tools with medical professionals. Engineering students constructed and tested simple machines, fostering creativity and critical thinking. In the Law session, students participated in mock trials, gaining a firsthand look at courtroom procedures while developing public speaking skills.
“This event is more than a fun experience for these kids,” said RyLee Curtis, director of community engagement for University of Utah Health. “It’s about wanting these students to see themselves as future college graduates, professionals, and leaders in their own communities.”
Imagine U Day also aligns with the university’s broader investment in West Valley City, where a new hospital and health campus is in development.
“When the hospital is built, we’ll have about 1,700 open positions,” Curtis added. “And we would really love to fill those with people from the West Valley community.”
For many students, this was their first-ever visit to a college campus—a moment of transformation for students and teachers alike.
“The students realize that coming to a university is not as scary as it seems—it feels attainable and fun,” said Rebecca Hunter, a teacher at Hillside Elementary. “Doing these workshops and meeting instructors takes the fear out of it all.”
She emphasized the importance of early exposure, especially for students who may become the first in their families to attend college.
More than just a field trip, Imagine U Day is a strategic initiative designed to build long-term partnerships with students, parents, and educators. By introducing young learners to higher education and a range of career options, the University of Utah is planting seeds of possibility and nurturing a sense of belonging.
As the university celebrates its 175th anniversary, programs like Imagine U Day underscore a continued commitment to community engagement and access to education. By investing in the aspirations of today’s youth, the U is helping to shape a more empowered, equitable future for all.