Teen Centers at five Sanpete schools offer many services

ByColeen Ogden

By Coleen Ogden

GUNNISON—Representatives from "The Policy Project" held a meeting for local leaders at Gunnison Valley Middle School on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Policy project team member goes over statistics at meeting held at Gunnison Valley Middle School recently.
Policy project team member goes over statistics at meeting held at Gunnison Valley Middle School recently.

The Policy Project is a Utah based leadership group that lobbies in the Utah Legislature for projects affecting youth and families.

Rep. Troy Shelley, who represents Sanpete County in the Utah House of Representatives, was in attendance to hear what The Policy Project is proposing for 2027.

Their priority is to work to secure state funding for Teen Centers across the state. There are nine Teen Centers in Utah schools, including at Carbon High, Cedar Ridge High, Ephraim Middle, Gunnison Valley Middle, Gunnison High, Manti High, Pinnacle Canyon Academy, Piute High and North Sanpete High schools.

More than 4,000 students have access to these centers, which are funded by the state and private donations. Teen Centers provide students with needs such as: hygiene products, school supplies, personal care products, non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, clothing, gift cards and time with a leader to help with tutoring, career information, college applications and life skills.

The Policy Project also advocates for no-cost school meals. Another priority is to modernize menopause care. That includes removing barriers to care, equipping healthcare providers, generating Utah-specific research and creating a state-hosted online, community resource hub.

A view inside a Teen Center at Gunnison Valley High School at the time it opened in 2024. Representatives from The Policy Project, sponsor of nine centers around the state, briefed community leaders during a meeting at Gunnison Valley Middle School on Sept. 29.
A view inside a Teen Center at Gunnison Valley High School at the time it opened in 2024. Representatives from The Policy Project, sponsor of nine centers around the state, briefed community leaders during a meeting at Gunnison Valley Middle School on Sept. 29.

Anyone interested in donating to local Teen Centers may contact their nearest Teen Center for their specific needs. Snacks are always welcome.