Our Mission
TCI partners with Utahns to co-create knowledge and solutions addressing social issues that matter to our communities.
Community-Engaged Research & Solution Building
Community Education & Professional Development
Consulting & Capacity Building
Join the Community
Community Justice Advocate Program
The Community Justice Advocate (CJA) Program aims to expand access to justice in Utah by training and certifying social workers and other helping professionals to deliver accessible civil legal services.
Donate
With your support, we can build knowledge and create solutions for social issues that matter to our communities.
Get Involved
Discover ways community partners, faculty, and students can get involved with TCI and make a difference in the community.
Upcoming Events
Our Approach
Guiding Framework
TCI collaborates with Utahns to address social issues by applying the Framework for Collaborative Community Action on Health through community-engaged research and solution building; professional and community education; and capacity-building services.
Focus Areas
TCI projects, activities, and programs are community-driven and connected to focus areas aligned with the social determinants of health to promote the well-being of all Utahns.
Community-Engaged Research & Solution Building
TCI coordinates opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage meaningfully with communities and organizations and conduct research and solution-building on social issues that are prioritized by residents, practitioners, and leaders. TCI facilitates the change process to develop, implement, and advocate for evidence-driven solutions to improve community well-being.
Transforming Communities Journal
Consulting and Capacity-Building Services
We serve as consultants for organizations and communities who need assistance in research (e.g., assessment, evaluation, and traditional); program/organization development and management; education and training; and advocacy efforts.
Community Education & Professional Development
We collaborate with university and community partners to develop and facilitate the education and training of current and future professionals to ethically and efficiently conduct community practice and engage in productive work that addresses social problems through evidence-based approaches.
News
Social Workers Could Provide Legal Services Under New USU Program
Social workers in the state may soon have access to a new certificationto provide legal guidance to underserved individuals facing debt collection.
Student Project Serves a Community in Need
MSW student Nicole Burnard started the Willam A. Burnard Warming Center to provide temporary overnight accommodations during Cache Valley’s freezing winter months.
Transforming Communities Institute Launches New Initiatives
Utah State University’s Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) announces the launch of two new initiatives: the “Transforming Communities” open-access journal and the Community-Engaged Scholar Network.
USU's Transforming Communities Institute Celebrates Launch, Vision for Future
USU’s Transforming Communities Institute recently hosted a special launch event to reflect on their achievements to date, honor community advocates, and share their plans for the year ahead.
USU's Transforming Communities Institute and Assistant Professor Earn National Awards
Utah State University’s Department of Social Work has earned recent recognition in the field of community impact, thanks to the work of the Transforming Communities Institute and Assistant Professor Chesney Ward.
USU Receives Court Authorization, Prepares to Launch Community Justice Advocate Program
Utah State University’s Transforming Communities Institute will officially launch the Community Justice Advocate Program, a cutting-edge initiative in Utah that will train social workers to provide limited legal services to individuals navigating debt-rel