For more than a decade, Connect2Health (C2H) at the University of Utah has been committed to expanding access to health professions for undergraduate students, especially those seeking meaningful, community‑engaged pathways into health care. Rooted in service, academic enrichment, and hands‑on learning, C2H fosters a deep, patient‑centered understanding of health care while equipping students with the professional skills needed to thrive in advanced health‑focused programs.
Our Vision
To empower future health care professionals who lead with compassion and a commitment to community well-being.
Our Mission in Action
Through immersive, academic-year-long experiences, Connect2Health works to:
- Build foundational health care skills by providing structured trainings, workshops, and role‑play-based learning that develop strong communication, professionalism, and clinical awareness.
- Cultivate practical experience through direct work with patients—identifying social needs, connecting individuals to resources, and observing care delivery across our different clinical partners.
- Create meaningful professional networks by organizing students into interest‑based pods (pre‑med, pre‑PA, pre‑nursing, public health) and connecting them with mentors, clinicians, and students currently enrolled in advanced health programs.
- Develop future leaders by introducing students to health care legislation, advocacy, and the role of health professionals in shaping policy, supported by community partners.
- Expand access to continued education through free opportunities to earn MA, CNA, or EMT certifications and receive specialized training aligned with students’ interests.
- Prepare students for their next academic steps with access to critical academic resources that strengthen readiness for graduate applications and exams.
Programs and experiences within C2H include:
- Yearlong clinical volunteering: Students gain direct experience in patient interaction, social‑needs assessment, and navigation of clinical environments, thus building a strong service foundation and firsthand understanding of health care systems.
- Pod‑based mentorship and networking: Peer groups organized by career interest help students explore their chosen pathways through advising, workshops, and connections with practicing health care professionals.
