May marks National Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor the service, sacrifice, and resilience of the men and women in the armed forces and their families. It is also a moment to reflect on how communities can support veterans through connection, healing, and engagement. At a recent Arts & Museums gathering of executive directors, new research from the National Endowment for the Arts demonstrates the arts strengthen individuals and communities. Veterans and service members benefit through creative expression that can address post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related challenges. These experiences also foster social connection, civic engagement, and successful reintegration into family and community life.
Magnify Utah is a resource created by the Division of Multicultural Affairs to connect military families with engagement opportunities. Featured as part of the Do Your Part Toolkit introduced by Governor Cox in an OpEd earlier this week, MCA is among several CCE divisions that engage with military families. We are grateful to all who serve and to the families who support their commitment to our state and nation.
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Service is Patriotic — and Powerful |
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America Gives is a national initiative led by America250, recognizing service in all its forms. Showing up for family, supporting service members and their families, mentoring youth, or serving neighbors all count as service. Utah has recorded 62,340 hours of volunteer service with America Gives so far this year.
Add your service contribution to the tally. Participation is simple and voluntary. Service hours of any length can be recorded, and those who contribute five or more hours through December 2026 are eligible for recognition through America250 Utah, sponsored by Intermountain Health.
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Utah’s Story Sealed for 250 Years in America250 Time Capsule |
America250 Utah marked the sendoff of Utah’s Time Capsule at the State Capitol on April 22 with legislative leadership and Commission members. The collection represents Utah’s people, history, and defining milestones and will be sealed at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 4 to be opened in 2276.
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Each item captures a piece of Utah, our people, our history, and the moments that shaped us, preserved for generations to come and rediscovered 250 years from now.
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America250 Utah Partners with Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games to Honor Walk250 Participants |
Nearly 2,000 Utahns have participated in Walk250 since July 2025, logging miles through walking, rolling, and outdoor activity statewide.
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| Walk250 reflects Utahns’ connection to the place, with mountains, deserts, rivers, and trails serving as living classrooms linking history, recreation, and community.
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Cultural Communities Take the Stage with Utah Division of Arts & Museums at the Chase Home Museum |
The free Mondays in the Park series, presented in partnership with the Salt Lake City Arts Council, showcases Utah’s many cultures and their artistic contributions. Held weekly from June through August at the Chase Home Museum in Liberty Park, the series features a breadth of cultural traditions, including Taiko drumming, mariachi, classical Indian dance, Irish dance, and Swedish folk music. These free performances create opportunities for community gathering, strengthening connections and highlighting the value of shared cultural experiences. The Chase Home Museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary honoring Utah’s cultural heritage.
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CCE Summer Community Connections |
Stay engaged with upcoming opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate Utah’s rich history and cultural heritage:
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Strengthening STEM Education |
Utah continues to expand access to high-quality STEM education with the designation of 12 new STEM Schools in 2026, increasing the statewide total to 37 schools strengthening hands-on, future-focused learning. The STEM School Designation program supports schools in building comprehensive STEM environments that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong success.
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Apr 23, 2026 — Fox 13 News
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Apr 22, 2026 — Deseret News
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Apr 23, 2026 — Fox 13 News
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Mar 9, 2026 — Utah Arts Magazine
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Apr 18, 2026 — Utah Historical Society
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Apr 13, 2026 — Utah State Historic Preservation Office
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Our nine divisions work to achieve the overarching goal of building communities in all corners of the state. The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement’s annual report explains the priorities of each division and the impact of their programs.
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Administration
Donna Law
Executive Director
Katherine Potter
Deputy Director
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The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement connects people, resources, and ideas to strengthen communities — in communities. By supporting local programs, educational initiatives, and collaborative projects, CCE helps foster meaningful impact, build capacity, and create opportunities for residents to engage and thrive.
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