The Story Room
Amplify Utah’s inaugural project, in collaboration with nonprofit The Salt Lake Tribune and Salt Lake Community College, contributes diverse perspectives to local news through student journalism. An innovative approach focuses on important issues facing Utah communities and delivers stories to our free repository, providing sources for growing media engagement. This project models how community college students and journalists can bring multi-dimensional viewpoints to local news organizations and provide a source of growing readership.
We offer new voices for a new time by creating deep collaborations between community college media programs and local news organizations, and developing a means to share student reporting broadly.
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Amplify Utah Stories
Anti-LGBTQ flyers at Salt Lake Community College, and the school’s response, raise alarms
08-30-2023 by By Cristian Martinez
Flyers found on the South City campus in June prompt a discussion about ‘dangerous’ rhetoric and free speech.
SLCC’s program at Utah State Prison has its first graduating class
08-28-2023 by By Sean Stetson
The program gives 16 incarcerated people their associate degrees, and seven more get certificates of completion.
Environmentalists weigh in on ‘flower bombing,’ and how to do it wisely
08-26-2023 by By Paige Ney
The ‘guerrila gardening’ may appeal as a way to save the planet, but it can be illegal and an environmental risk.
SLCC student promotes ‘Indigenous excellence’ through community radio
08-17-2023 by By Kyle Forbush
Valene Peratrovich, aka ‘Valene MC,’ uses her show on KRCL to ‘talk about Natives the way I want to talk about Natives.’
SLCC’s Trans Sports Ball Day provides a space for all to exercise and have fun
08-16-2023 by By Teresa Chaikowsky
The event was designed to promote inclusion for transgender students in athletics.
Brothers work to promote diversity and Indigenous heritage at SLCC
08-15-2023 by By Kyle Forbush
Joey and Joseph Du Shane-Navanick helped get land acknowledgements on two SLCC campuses, and that’s just the beginning.
Technology can raise barriers to learning English, ESL students and teachers say
06-27-2023 by By Claudia Jahen
One study says ‘learners cannot be 100% sure’ that technological aids will help with the language.
Utah researchers are testing a birth control gel for men
06-23-2023 by By Ethan Udy
The gel, which is a long way from FDA approval, could change the way couples deal with contraception.
From a truck to a brick-and-mortar location, Loco Burger’s owners have big dreams
06-05-2023 by By Tyffton Bowman
With their Mexican-influenced burger, the company has amassed a devoted following.
Utah’s indie bookstores are leading the charge against school book bans
06-04-2023 by By Tyffton Bowman
A large number of titles targeted feature people of color of LGBTQ+ themes and characters.
Logan schools working to implement new policy over pride flags
05-01-2023 by By Jenny Carpenter
Teachers can keep personal items, such as flags, in view if they “do not disturb the learning process.”
At University of Utah, an Arab student group aims to build community
04-28-2023 by By Breanna Giang
One member calls the campus group “a club where I get to truly be who I am and belong.”
Watch: Tattoo taboos fading among younger Latter-day Saints
04-02-2023 by By Kristina Martinez
A couple talk about the tattoos they have and the meanings behind them.
Gen Zers leaving LDS faith find community on social apps like TikTok
03-24-2023 by By Nicole Spearman
Church leaders have countered with a class aimed at helping young adults get answers from reliable sources.
Crackdowns have moved street racing to once-quiet neighborhoods
03-16-2023 by By Alexander Campbell
“Fast cars aren’t going to go away because we don’t have a track,” says one racer.
College pantries in Utah learning to serve a more diverse range of students
01-16-2023 by By Jude Macher
School programs and activists working to stop the “starving student” stereotype.
Utah colleges work to conserve water on campuses
11-28-2022 by By Jacob Freeman and McCaulee Blackburn
University of Utah, Weber State and Salt Lake Community Colleges each have new programs in the works.
How some Utahns navigate going to college at an older age
11-07-2022 by By Patrick Kennedy
Older students may face unique challenges, including childcare and the fear of not being taken seriously by younger classmates.
Two drag queens talk about Salt Lake City’s growing drag scene, and the pushback
11-06-2022 by By Jude Macher
Despite some protests, “the future is now, and the future is big,” according to one Utah drag queen.
Salt Lake Community College leaders disappointed by court ruling that leaves DACA program in limbo
11-05-2022 by By Cristian Martinez
The uncertainty is “frustrating,” one DACA recipient said, as the case goes back to a lower court.
With inflation rising, SLCC’s Bruin Pantry sees more students and staff seeking its free goods
10-21-2022 by By Patrick Kennedy
Pantry offers dry goods, canned foods, fresh produce and hygiene products at four locations.
Gender-inclusive restroom signs being installed at SLCC’s Taylorsville campus
10-20-2022 by By Jonny Tollestrup
The program had some glitches at first, but student leaders report feedback is positive.
‘My existence is not political’: Students and parents debate pride flags in Logan schools
10-19-2022 by By Jenny Carpenter
No decisions made yet about whether to ban pride flags in Logan public schools
Protesting BYU’s LGBTQ policy, Black Menaces group calls for student walkout next week
10-06-2022 by By Haily Askerlund
Black Menaces, known for asking tough questions and posting on TikTok, urges action statewide.
Utah’s LGBTQ+ youth find connection with art exhibition ‘A Hug Away’
10-05-2022 by By Jonnathan Yi
Artist Lilian Agar’s exhibition was on display at SLCC this summer, and is at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute through October.
Mural artists return to their roots with work at SLCC’s Peace and Justice Garden
09-22-2022 by By Zane Smith
The trio behind Roots Arts Kollective are all alumni at Salt Lake Community College.
Utah students create video, posters for campaign to promote vaccinations
07-15-2022 by By Cristian Martinez
Spy Hop Productions teams with Salt Lake County Health Department for “Vax to the Max” campaign.
Iosepa event postponed, but memory of Pacific Islanders’ settlement remains
05-28-2022 by By Will Stamp
Most years, people gather to eat, pray and remember at the one-time Tooele County settlement.
SLCC adviser mentors immigrants to Utah who ‘start from scratch’
05-21-2022 by By Cristian Martinez
Utah “Woman of the Year” Luz Gamarra knows what new arrivals need, because she was one in 2004.
SLCC’s Latinx population is growing, and officials aim to serve that community better
04-27-2022 by By Cristian Martinez
College is working toward a federal designation as a “Hispanic-serving institution,” possibly by 2025.
A controversial symbol shows up at SLCC’s safety office, and then disappears
04-25-2022 by By Will Stamp
Some see the Thin Blue Line flag as support for law enforcement; others note it has been taken up by white nationalists.
Ex-UVU student tells of surviving, and having a baby, in Ukraine war zone
04-19-2022 by By Amie Schaeffer
Anton Piddubnyi and Valentyna Piddubna fell in love in Utah, and returned to Ukraine before the war began.
After two years off, SLCC’s powwow brings Indigenous people back together
04-15-2022 by By Valene Peratrovich
A Native student says she feels ‘whole again’ with an in-person event, after the pandemic forced the gathering to go virtual.
Students face a tough hurdle during the winter: Seasonal affective disorder
03-16-2022 by By Alexie Zollinger
Short days and long nights can trigger winter depression, from which 5% of adults in the United States can suffer.
COVID-19 pandemic exposes staffing problems at Utah’s college libraries
03-15-2022 by By Andrew Christiansen
At University of Utah and SLCC, reliance on part-time student help has meant higher turnover and sometimes a shortage of workers.
A woman’s path out of addiction leads to a degree and a career helping others
03-12-2022 by By Amie Schaeffer
After ‘multiple rock bottoms,’ Rachel Santizo graduated from SLCC and now helps people suffering like she did.
Athletes with Utah roots compete in Winter Paralympic Games
03-04-2022 by By Matt Didisheim
Salt Lake native Andrew Haraghey is one of several skiers who trains at the National Ability Center in Park City.
SLCC star Chase Adams’ basketball career started with a viral moment. Then it took a sudden twist
03-01-2022 by By Morgan Workman
The death of a brother sent the Bruins’ star guard on an unexpected journey
Why some LGBTQ students in Utah say their health education is inadequate
01-17-2022 by By Alexie Zollinger
Student leader wants more inclusive sex education, including references to trans and intersex people.
These Salt Lake City theaters put accessibility and inclusion center stage
01-13-2022 by By Mike Adamson
Actors with autism portray a character on the spectrum, and a new elevator helps disabled patrons.
Utahns share why they have chosen polyamory over monogamy
12-23-2021 by By Matt Didisheim
Salt Lake Community College filmmaker explores people who have more than one partner.
12-22-2021 by By Juliana DeMay
The pandemic has pushed more people to be able to work from home.
Sex education in Utah: What students did — and didn’t — learn in the classroom
12-11-2021 by By Alexie Zollinger
Salt Lake Community College offers more comprehensive training.
Why some Utah students have found it difficult to return to in-person classes
12-07-2021 by By Juliana DeMay
And some tips to stay sharp on campus.
Why Salt Lake Community College is having a hard time hiring enough custodians
12-03-2021 by By Andrew Christiansen
The college says the problem is not unique among Utah’s higher ed institutions.
Navajo poet touches on identity, history and tragedy at Native American Heritage Month event at SLCC
11-23-2021 by By Andrew Christiansen
Salt Lake Community College offers three other events honoring Indigenous contributions.
How this Utah Dreamer responds to the ongoing legal challenges to the immigration program
11-11-2021 by By Juan Rios
How social media has changed the perception of mental health care
11-08-2021 by By Alexie Zollinger
Salt Lake Community College counselor encourages people to become social media literate.
How a 21-day challenge encouraged Utahns to create new social justice habits
11-06-2021 by By Juliana DeMay
The challenge is archived by the YWCA for those who missed it.
Utahns talk about their deadnames and what they think when they hear them now
10-29-2021 by By Leilani Miller
Many transgender people associate their old name with deep trauma.
Watch: Free haircuts give ‘renewing feeling’ to people experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake City
10-25-2021 by By James Seo
How one student journeyed from Colombia to SLCC
10-25-2021 by By Andrea Barboza
Maria Pastrana Lopez came to Utah to go to college
How to help girls stick with STEM? Utah teachers normalize science careers early
10-24-2021 by By Lauren Loock Wilcox
Women continue to be underrepresented in technology fields, but public school teachers are trying to create support early.
Where Indigenous mascots have changed in Utah and beyond
10-21-2021 by By Valene Peratrovich
Tribal activists and scholars have advocated for some schools to change their mascots
How one school’s chief diversity officer works to get students from prison to the classroom
10-21-2021 by By Andrew Christiansen
Kinikini is first chief diversity officer at Salt Lake Community College
South Salt Lake may rename Columbus building. A student started the conversation
10-21-2021 by By Cristian Martinez
City Council collecting additional feedback on renaming more than 100-year-old community center
How some college students are finding mental health support as they return to school
10-16-2021 by By Amie Schaeffer
The Center for Health and Counseling at Salt Lake Community College lowers barriers to entry, including cost and availability of services
SLCC graduate brings journey to United States to on-campus mural
07-06-2021 by By Cristian Martinez
DACA student came Salt Lake from Mexico at 10 years old
Living “in between”: How children navigate two cultures at once
07-06-2021 by By Samantha Herrera
For kids raised in a different country than their parents, understanding a parent’s home country can help
Here’s one reason why some are refusing the COVID-19 vaccine
07-06-2021 by By Anthony Najera
Mexican culture and history influences treatment decisions for some Utahns
Laptops are coming to students in SLCC prison education program
07-06-2021 by By Andrew Christiansen
Anonymous donor funds project that should help reduce recidivism rates
07-06-2021 by By Kirsten Buker
Race Swami Swim Team’s motto is Si Se Puede, or Yes You Can
Why SLCC hired a womxn’s coordinator and how she’s helping students
04-23-2021 by By Cristian Martinez
While the position received broad support from the college community, the spelling of “womxn” caused confusion.