Interfaith America is partnering with the University of Utah and the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) to support a new initiative, the Utah Cooperation Cohort, to advance cooperation on college campuses across Utah.

The effort will initially engage leaders and representatives from eight institutions committed to fostering environments where students, faculty, and staff can engage constructively across political, religious, ideological, and other types of difference.

Led by President Taylor R. Randall of the University of Utah, campus leaders are committed to championing cooperation. The Utah Cooperation Cohort includes a grant program as well as a shared public statement of support for cooperation across differences. Each participating school will request funding and commit to advancing this work, with matching funds provided by the University of Utah. Grantees will also be supported through a community of practice and coaching with Interfaith America. Together, they aim to build respect for stronger communities, contribute to genuine relationships, and foster common action for the common good.

Participating campuses include the University of Utah, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Utah Tech University, Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, Weber State University, and Southern Utah University.

To kick off the initiative, Interfaith America founder and president Eboo Patel spoke with campus leaders about the importance of state systems and the role higher education plays in preparing students for leadership in a diverse democracy. “Utah is emerging as a national leader in modeling diversity work rooted in cooperation across difference, equipping students with skills that are both in demand in the workplace and essential to citizenship in an increasingly diverse democracy. The Cooperation Cohort partnership marks a significant step in aligning colleges and universities across Utah around a shared commitment to building cultures of pluralism, and draws on the leadership of partners like the University of Utah to extend that vision statewide.”