United Way of Utah County to open new center in American Fork with $300K Texas Instruments grant
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- This undated photo shows United Way of Utah County summer learning program students during a field trip to Texas Instruments.
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- This undated photo shows United Way of Utah County summer learning program students during a field trip to Texas Instruments.
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- This undated photo shows United Way of Utah County summer learning program students during a field trip to Texas Instruments.
For over six decades, the United Way of Utah County has provided resources to help community members thrive.
Supporting families and neighborhoods by creating a sense of community is at the core of what the organization does.
To broaden their reach amid burgeoning growth, the United Way of Utah County will open a new community center in American Fork.
The new center, set to open in early 2025, expands services into northern Utah County. It’s being funded with a $300,000 grant from the Texas Instruments Foundation.
“This United Way Center is set to become a beacon of hope and advancement for the American Fork community, aiming to address the pressing needs related to health outcomes, mental health support, and educational opportunities for residents facing financial constraints,” a press release stated.
The new location will mark United Way of Utah County’s third community center, joining South Franklin in Provo and their newest facility in Payson, which opened earlier this year.
The presence of Texas Instruments is already felt in Utah County.
In November 2023, the Dallas-based company broke ground on a 300-millimeter semiconductor wafer fabrication plant in Lehi. The $11 million dollar project will expand its current operations in the city, which already employs over 1,100 employees.
“As we expand our manufacturing footprint in Lehi, we are excited also to expand our support for United Way of Utah County and believe the new community center will be a place for our neighbors in American Fork to gather and learn,” Andy Smith, TI director of giving and volunteering and executive director of the TI Foundation, said in the release.
The tech company is also making a huge commitment to local education. They’re investing $9 million in the Alpine School District in efforts to develop the state’s first science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, learning community for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Aligning with TI’s endeavors, a significant focus at the new United Way of Utah County’s American Fork center will center around STEM education.
“Because Texas Instruments does so much already in that area, that’s something that they really want to emphasize,” Marketing Director Danielle Moran said. “We have a digital inclusion program, which will probably run out of there as well, and we always do a lot with reading and art programs as well. That’s just consistent with all of our United Way centers.”
The United Way of Utah County just wrapped up its summer learning program. This year, over 100 students took advantage of enhancing their knowledge in math, science and reading, many of whom took a recent field trip to tour the Texas Instruments campus in Lehi.
“What I love about the community centers is that you’re able to see, not only how volunteers help, but also how companies help,” Moran said. “And I think the kids just really need that inspiration. You know, like that anything’s possible, and they can do anything.”
For more than 15 years, the United Way of Utah County’s Provo Franklin Center has also provided mental health resources and community integration programs aimed at increasing connections and building relationships.
Organization leaders are excited to make resources available to residents in Northern Utah County.
“Through this new center, we can better support families and neighborhoods. We are thrilled to have Texas Instruments as our Presenting Sponsor on this project,” Bill Hulterstrom, United Way of Utah County CEO, stated in the press release. “They have shown a phenomenal commitment to giving back.”
Specific details regarding the American Fork center will be announced at a later time, but plans are underway for a grand-opening sometime in early 2025, followed by an open house where community members can learn more about the services and programs that will be offered, United Way of Utah County officials noted.
“TI and the TI Foundation are long-time supporters of United Way and believe in the significant role it plays in creating opportunities for all to thrive,” Smith said. “We look forward to the lasting impact it will bring to that community.”
