This monthly update provides a quick snapshot of key work across the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement’s nine divisions. The breadth of our work across the state connects communities with state programs and resources that help communities learn, lead, celebrate, and create.
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Volunteers on the Frontlines: Cultural Site Stewardship in Action
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Utah’s Cultural Site Stewards, managed through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are stepping up to protect the state’s precious archeological resources during the federal shutdown. From Oct. 1–8, 38 volunteers contributed 160.5 hours in the field, submitted 44 monitoring reports, and traveled 2,111 miles. These trained volunteers will replace federal employees at public recreation areas in the coming days including Alpenbock Loop/Cottonwood canyons, Sego Canyon, Green River, the 78-mile Transcontinental Railroad route, and Newspaper Rock. With more than 450 volunteers monitoring XXXX sites, this program has been recognized as the best in the nation.
SHPO and partners have also fast-tracked the Statewide Archaeological Anti-Vandalism Campaign and continued public engagement activities ensuring Utah’s heritage remains protected and available to Utahns and visitors alike.
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Utah Cultural Site Stewards gathered outside Strawberry Onyx, located near Mount Nebo, Utah.
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This season marks the 249th anniversary of the Dominguez-Escalante Expedition, the first European expedition to enter Utah in 1776. America250 Utah, a statewide initiative led by CCE, works to engage students and communities with educational resources highlighting Utah’s history, Native peoples, and landscapes.
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Discover Utah’s Founding Stories: 30 New K–12 Resources |
For Founders Month, America250 Utah and CCE launched 30 new K–12 resources to explore the Declaration of Independence, founding ideals, and Utah’s unique history.
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| Walk250 – Sponsored by Zions Bank |
Walk250 Utah challenges every Utahn to complete 250 miles of outdoor activity through July 2026, commemorating our nation’s 250th anniversary. This initiative encourages healthy lifestyles, strengthens community engagement, and highlights Utah’s extraordinary landscapes as a lens to explore our state’s history and shared heritage.
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STEM Fest 2025: Inspiring Utah’s Future Innovators
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Utah’s young minds came alive at STEM Fest 2025 (Sept. 16–17), where more than 8,300 students, teachers, and families explored hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, and math. The event, facilitated by the Utah STEM Action Center, attracted 80 schools from 14 districts, 60+ exhibitor booths, and 50+ interactive participants, giving students real insight into STEM careers.
Family Night drew more than 3,500 visitors, making STEM learning fun for all ages. The annual free showcase continues to be a highlight for companies and educators eager to spark curiosity and inspire Utah’s next generation of innovators.
Mark your calendars for the 4th annual Week of STEM (Nov. 5–8) to dive deeper into career connections and inspiring stories:
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Students learning to power a race track, experimenting with energy, circuits, and teamwork in a hands-on STEM activity.
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MM III Joins the Museum of Utah Collection: Faster Than a Land Speed Record
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The Museum of Utah and the Utah Historical Society,proudly announce the acquisition of Mormon Meteor III, Utah’s most iconic land speed racer. The car, commissioned by Ab Jenkins made its debut on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1939. .
“This car could have found a home anywhere in the world, and we’re thrilled it will stay in Utah,” said John Price, chairman of the Price Museum of Speed.
The Mormon Meteor III will be the largest artifact on display in the Museum of Utah.. Other significant pieces on display will include items from the Topaz Internment Camp, a “Back to the Future III” costume, and artifacts from the Civilian Conservation Corps and Utah’s pioneer history. More than 900 artifacts and works of fine art will be on display when the museum opens in the North Capitol Building on July 27, 2026.
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This photograph shows Ab Jenkins with his custom-built land speed racer, the Mormon Meteor III, on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah August 11, 1950.
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Volunteer for Good: Expanding Opportunities
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The Volunteer for Good pilot made a powerful impact this year, launching in four school districts and a charter school. Developed by the Utah Commission on Service and Volunteerism (UServeUtah), Volunteer for Good advances volunteerism and aims to improve high school students’ well-being, civic engagement, and academic and social success. The program connects students with meaningful volunteer opportunities, fostering stronger ties between young people and their local communities. Plans are already underway to expand the initiative to even more districts across Utah.
At Escalante High School, students spent time reading with kindergarteners — and the results were remarkable. While younger students improved their reading fluency, the high school volunteers saw their own literacy rates soar from 20% to 80%. This program proves that service not only benefits the community but also inspires growth and learning in those who give.
See the first year report here.
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Senior Education Advisor Dr. Rich Nye and Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson meet with leaders and students at Richfield High School.
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Administration
Donna Law
Executive Director
Katherine Potter
Deputy Director
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The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement (CCE) leads programs and initiatives that support Utah’s communities, arts, and cultural heritage, with guidance from the Governor’s Office.
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