Walkways to Westminster

Walkways to Westminster is a higher education access program for first-generation, low-income, and otherwise underrepresented youth in grades K–12. In this program, Westminster University students serve as mentors to youth, supporting them in their academic success, college and/or career preparedness, interest exploration, and life skills. Walkways to Westminster’s goal is to provide youth with an individualized plan for success throughout their educational journey and encourage all youth to obtain higher education of any form.

Walkways at a Glance

• The Walkways program partners with Promise South Salt Lake and the Salt Lake City School District to place mentors in schools that resonate with their own experiences and goals.
• The Walkways program places mentors in schools during the school day and during the after-school program to ensure student and teachers' needs are being met throughout the day.
• Youth who receive mentorship through the Walkways program are invited to attend field trips, activities, and service events on the Westminster University campus multiple times during the school year. This helps expose youth to life after K-12 and gives them the opportunity to explore career paths.
• Walkways partner-schools are across the Salt Lake area, providing accessibility for Westminster University students who prefer to stay close to campus.
• Mentors with Walkways come from multiple different academic programs, including education, chemistry, theater, and more. Mentors are encouraged to share their interests and majors with students and facilitate activities which focus on their own expertise. 
• Walkways mentors have the opportunity to develop skills related to time management, trauma-informed practices, adaptability, and leadership. Mentors take part in numerous professional development events to strengthen their skills.
• Have a new idea for a Walkway activity? Want to volunteer at a specific school or youth center not listed below? We are open to collaborating with new centers and helping Westminster students find the right path for them. Past students have worked in theatre classes at Highland High School and others work at the Hser Ner Moo Center rather than a school. Reach out if you are interested in carving your own path within Walkways.

 Looking Back on 2023–2024 Walkways

• 14 Walkways mentors
• 2,432 hours worked in schools and centers
• 432 students mentored in K–12 schools
• 16 educators received extra support from the Walkways program

“This morning, I got to help one of the students with a project that the class has been working on that he has been struggling with. We worked on spelling and writing, and it was really cool to see him feel more confident in himself as we moved on. It was very rewarding to see the smile come onto his face. Walkways has exceeded my expectations and every time I leave Hawthorne there is a big smile on my face and I look forward to going back.”
–Sydney, Walkways Mentor 2023–2024