LOGAN — Utah State University’s Transforming Communities Institute has received a grant from the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation to expand a training program designed to help Utahns navigate debt-related legal and financial challenges.
The award will support the institute’s Community Justice Advocate training program by funding paid student internships, a graduate practicum placement and technical infrastructure used to track outcomes for clients served across the state.
Grant funds will compensate student interns who assist with curriculum development, partnership coordination and evaluation research. The award also supports a Master of Social Work student providing direct Community Justice Advocate services through a practicum with Nonprofit Legal Services of Utah, as well as a portion of the annual subscription and technical assistance costs for the institute’s case management system.
Launched in summer 2025, the Community Justice Advocate program is intended to address gaps in access to justice by preparing trained advocates to assist people facing debt while juggling work, family responsibilities and financial instability. Under attorney supervision, advocates help clients understand their rights and options, prepare legal forms, navigate court processes and negotiate with creditors.
The program’s first cohort of 21 advocates recently completed a 10-week blended curriculum and is now providing supervised services statewide through human services agencies, nonprofit legal organizations and court partnerships. According to the release, advocates have helped resolve more than 20 cases totaling more than $117,000 in debt, with a median debt amount of $2,300.
Participants described the training as practical and eye-opening, noting that it helped them better understand the systemic barriers people face when dealing with debt and gave them tools to help clients navigate complex legal and financial systems.
Community partners reported similar outcomes. A volunteer with Nonprofit Legal Services of Utah said in the release that the program has expanded the organization’s ability to assist people who might otherwise be unable to access legal help. The volunteer also described the training model as effective and empowering, and said it has helped clients leave with clearer options and renewed confidence.
Based in Logan, the Transforming Communities Institute has established partnerships with organizations across Utah, including Rasa Legal, Clean Slate Utah, the Roy/Weber Justice Court and the Utah State Bar, to expand experiential learning opportunities for advocates and increase referral pathways for clients. Program leadership is also participating in statewide discussions focused on regulatory reform and the long-term sustainability of community-based justice initiatives.
The Community Justice Advocate program is developed through the institute in collaboration with Utah State University’s Department of Social Work and other campus units, using a community-engaged approach that brings together faculty, students and community partners.
Recruitment is now open for the next cohort, scheduled to begin in January 2025. Additional information and application details are available on the Community Justice Advocate Program webpage. The university’s College of Arts & Sciences is also hiring a faculty member to teach Community Justice Advocate courses, supervise advocates and expand the program into for-credit options for students.