UTRUST
The Culture Initiative
Creating a culture of appreciation requires intentional effort from the entire school community. When everyone understands their responsibility and actively participates in changing the culture, the result is a school where mutual support and pride are evident among staff, students, parents, and the broader community.
“Participation grew as students saw that their involvement mattered. The steady emphasis on encouragement helped create stronger connections across our campus. It made school spirit feel authentic rather than forced.”
Riverside High School
WHAT IS THE CULTURE INITIATIVE?
Overview of Culture Initiative
The Utrust Culture Initiative seeks to foster a nurturing, family-like atmosphere characterized by friendship, inclusion, cooperation, kindness, respect, and mutual appreciation within each school.
Goals of Culture Initiative
The Culture Initiative aims to expand participation in the Utrust Appreciation Program throughout the school year by:
- Challenging students to express gratitude to staff, peers, and parents
- Urging staff to appreciate students and colleagues
- Encouraging parents to appreciate the efforts of their children and school staff
- Inviting community organizations to acknowledge and value students and school staff
4 Pillars of The Culture Initiative
- Staff Involvement. Staff members participate in the Birthdate Challenge and Monthly Culture Quests.
- Student Involvement. Students participate in the Birthdate Challenge and Monthy Culture Quests.
- Community Involvement. Selected community organizations are invited to support and participate in culture building activities for the school community.
- Parent Involvement. Parents are urged to model appreciation and encourage their child to be inclusive and appreciative and to recognize that every person has value.
“The Culture Initiative helped students see that their actions shape the atmosphere of our school. As involvement grew, so did ownership. That sense of responsibility changed how people interacted day to day.”
South Greene High School
REQUIREMENTS
Community Involvement
Selected community organizations are invited to support and participate in culture building activities for the school community.
Parent Involvement
Parents are urged to model appreciation and encourage their child to be inclusive and appreciative and to recognize that every person has value.
Other Requirements
Participate in the Utrust Appreciation Program
Applied for an Appreciation Grant
Have a G-Force & Adviser
Participate in all monthly Culture Quests & the Birthdate Challenge.
The school completes a brief survey at the end of each semester regarding the success of the program.
Principal, School Coordinator, A-Team Advisers and G-Force Advisers must complete certification through Utrust University.
Post at least 1 photo and a summary of the Culture Quests each month on the Utrust Facebook Coordinators Group.
Funds are used for a purpose that fosters a culture of appreciation.
HOW TO GET STARTED
1
STEP 1: Apply for a Utrust Appreciation Grant between July 15-August 31 after completing all required courses. Apply Here!
2
STEP 2: Complete the Culture Grant application between July 15 and August 31 after completing all required courses for both the Appreciation Program and Culture Initiative. Apply Here!