A new housing option at the University of Utah dedicated to inspiring students to be better global citizens is opening this fall. 

Announced in 2023, the Impact & Prosperity Epicenter will be home to a diverse group of students, faculty and industry partners driven by a shared vision and mission for the betterment of people and the planet. 

With nearly 800 student beds, offices and an intersectional space where students and faculty will be able to collaborate on projects, the Epicenter will expand the U’s capacity for experiential and entrepreneurial education. Three themed living communities—Impact Capital, Health Development and Interfaith—will help students find their people, their passions and their purpose.

Students who want to live in the Epicenter must apply by March 20. 

Located in the heart of campus near the Lassonde Studios, the Epicenter will be home to 778 students. The building itself is comprised of three parts: Six floors of residential space will house students driven by a passion to create positive change in their community. Adjacent offices will headquarter two dynamic teams, the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity and the Sorenson Impact Institute. The residential and professional communities converge in the Forum, an intersectional gathering space that unites building residents to work alongside experts from both centers in a true living-learning environment. 

Considered the “soul” of campus, the themed community space will prepare students to become thoughtful global citizens committed to enriching the lives of others. Students living in the Epicenter will be able to choose to participate in one of three themed communities: the Impact Capital Community, the Health Development Community or the Interfaith Community. 

Impact Capital Community

The Impact Capital Community invites students to connect with peers interested in learning methods that utilize capital to create lasting impact. Students engaged in this community will have an opportunity to explore topics such as venture capital investing in companies that create social or environmental value, outcomes-based financing, and other creative financial structures that create social value.

Health Development Community

Students passionate about engaging in approaches for elevating health are invited to be part of the Health Development Community. Students will be able to join activities centered around exploring and solving complex health issues and their solutions. This community will draw on the vast health and medical expertise of the University of Utah and its partners worldwide.

 Interfaith Community

The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter welcomes students of all faiths, spiritual practices, world views, and philosophies from around the world to be part of the Epicenter Interfaith Community. This community provides an opportunity to gather, share, learn, and celebrate each other in an inclusive, respectful setting and to join in service to others. Incorporating an interfaith-based community provides an opportunity for establishing positive relationships and mutual understanding across diverse ways of being and cherished practices. Interfaith Community residents will have opportunities to meaningfully engage and learn about different faiths as a means for educational and spiritual growth and development. Having a formal religion or a belief system is not required for this community. All are welcome who would like to respectfully engage with this community.

Students will begin moving into the Epicenter in August.