Support Student Success
Students from low-income backgrounds, populations historically underrepresented in higher education, and first-generation students often encounter barriers to success when pursuing a degree. Student success programs at Westminster University provide ongoing support and programming focused on social support, academic integration, and person-centered wellness to help ensure that every Westminster student thrives.
The Westminster Fund (Where the Need is the Greatest)
The Westminster Fund supports and elevates every aspect of the student experience, including undergraduate research, athletics, mentorship programs, student activities, scholarships, and so much more. Gifts to the Westminster Fund are used within the current fiscal year to impact the lives of students on campus.
More than 2,000 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends make gifts to the fund each year to support Westminster students and their most vital needs.
First Scholars
Westminster is committed to providing a pathway to higher education for first-generation students from low-income backgrounds or populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Designed to foster civic mindedness, identity development, and academic excellence, the First Scholars program provides social, cultural, and academic support and stability for high-achieving high school students who might encounter barriers to success as first-generation college students.
Gifts to First Scholars support programming as well as stipends for books and supplies.
Walkways to Westminster
Walkways to Westminster is a college access program for youth involved with Promise South Salt Lake, a city initiative to provide dynamic, specialized community and out-of-school-time programming to K-12 students. Westminster students act as mentors to elementary, junior high, and high school students in South Salt Lake schools. Students, many of whom are first-generation college students themselves, offer their knowledge and life experience to support their mentees while expanding their perspectives and supporting their community.
Your gift benefits current Westminster students and students from the South Salt Lake community.
McNair Scholars
The McNair Scholars program is a federally funded effort to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who go on to graduate study. The program is named after Ronald E. McNair, a physicist and NASA astronaut who was the second African-American astronaut to fly in space. He died in the Challenger explosion in 1986.
The Westminster University McNair Scholars Program draws students from 3 campuses: Westminster University, Salt Lake Community College, and College of Southern Idaho. By encouraging and supporting qualified students through undergraduate school and the transition to graduate school, the ultimate goal is to increase faculty diversity in colleges and universities.
Sophomore Study Away
Help support elevated global learning experiences for all Westminster students. Starting fall 2025, first-year undergraduates at Westminster will have a week-long immersive study away experience included as part of their sophomore year.
Students can choose between domestic or international experiences that focus on engaging with host communities while remaining committed to socially responsible and sustainable travel practices. This program is made possible through Westminster’s international service-learning program, IPSL Global Engagement.
The Purple Basket
The Purple Basket addresses the impact of food insecurity and disparities in access to basic needs among Westminster students. At the Purple Basket, students can access a variety of foods, as well as hygiene and household items, in a dignified and destigmatized environment.
Gifts toward the Purple Basket will be used to maintain a stock of food, hygiene products, and household items. You can also donate goods on the list of most needed items or the Purple Basket’s Amazon wish list.
Outdoor Program
The Outdoor Program exemplifies Westminster's unique environment for urban and outdoor learning. Through meaningful outdoor experiences, most often led by students, the Outdoor Program helps students to develop leadership, technical skills, self-awareness, character, and responsible stewardship.
Your gift to the Outdoor Program supports students in the program, who leave Westminster with valuable field experience and advanced certifications. It also supports students who attend Outdoor Program trips and outings, ensuring that outdoor experiences are accessible to all students.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Westminster’s DEI initiatives further a commitment to social justice and equity as fundamental components of the Westminster experience, helping to create spaces on campus where every member is seen, respected, and included.
Your gift to Westminster’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts help ensure the campus is a place where every student can think critically, explore ideas, and create meaningful experiences.
Honors College Wellness Curriculum
The Honors College core curriculum consists entirely of team-taught, interdisciplinary seminars, which encourage active learning, personalized attention, and critical thinking. These opportunities will be combined with new wellness and mindfulness programming, equipping students with additional tools to succeed.
Gifts to the Honors College support the development of new wellness and mindfulness programming inside and outside the classroom to help students cultivate a healthy and balanced lifestyle.