A 5-Year Capital Project
Where Stability Begins, Learning Follows
What started as a single room at Clearfield High in 2021 has grown into a network of Teen Resource Centers in every high school across Davis School District—and a model now expanding statewide.
A Teen Resource Center in Every DSD High School
From One Center to a Movement
In Davis School District, more than 20,000 children lack reliable access to food. Over 1,700 students meet the federal definition of homelessness. These students are 80% more likely to experience chronic absenteeism, and their graduation rate sits at 64%—28 points below the district average of 92%.
Davis Education Foundation set out to change that. In 2021, the first Teen Resource Center opened at Clearfield High School—a safe, consistent space where students could access food, laundry, showers, mental health support, and a trusted adult who shows up for them every day.
The impact was immediate. Word spread. Donors stepped forward. In 2021, the Larry H. Miller and Gail Miller Family Foundation joined forces with the Huntsman Family Foundation for a combined $1 million gift that funded centers at five more schools.
Before I found the Teen Center, I would stay hungry all day and just hope no one noticed. Having a place to grab food and wash my clothes changed everything. I started coming to school more. I started caring about my classes again.
— DSD StudentA Model for the State
The success of DSD’s Teen Resource Centers caught statewide attention. In the 2022 legislative session, Representative Steve Eliason helped pass $3.5 million in state funding for teen resource centers across Utah—legislation directly inspired by the work happening in Davis County.
To date, Teen Resource Centers have received over $3.49 million in Utah State Board of Education grants and $1 million in Community Project Funding. Combined with millions in private donations and in-kind construction support, this initiative represents one of the largest public-private partnerships in Utah education.
Best of State 2025
Davis Education Foundation received four Best of State awards in 2025—Community Communications, Inclusive Athletics, Workforce Development, and Public/Private Partnerships—along with the Best Charity in Davis County designation.
Five Years of Building
Every center represents the generosity of donors, partners, and a community that believes every student deserves stability.
Center Locations
Teen Resource Centers are open to all students, regardless of living situation or economic status.
What Teen Centers Provide
Teen Resource Centers are more than a room in a building. They offer wraparound services designed to remove barriers to learning and help students stay engaged, healthy, and on track to graduate.
Inclusive Support
Laundry, showers, food pantries, and basic necessities so students can focus on learning instead of surviving.
Basic NeedsAcademic & Personal Development
FAFSA assistance, computer access, tutoring support, and Family Advocates who provide consistent, trusted guidance.
Student SuccessComprehensive Care
Connections to mental health, dental, medical, and vision services through local agency partnerships.
Health & WellnessCareer Preparation
Partnerships with Davis Technical College, Weber State University, and local employers prepare students for life after graduation.
Post-GraduationOutcomes We Track
Every center tracks student progress through the ENCORE student information system, with data flowing to Power BI dashboards that measure real impact.
Family Advocates: A Model DEF Built
The Family Advocate model was pioneered by Davis Education Foundation. Starting in the first Teen Resource Center at Clearfield High, DEF placed trusted adults in schools whose sole mission is to remove barriers to education—connecting families with resources for food, housing, mental health, and more.
The model proved so effective that Davis School District adopted it district-wide. Today, every level has a dedicated support role—all a direct result of DEF’s original investment.
All roles share one goal: remove barriers to education. All are supervised by site coordinators and assistants with full background checks.
You believed in me when no one did. You helped me become stronger. You helped me become a warrior. Thank you.
— DSD StudentHow Teen Centers Are Funded
Teen Resource Centers are sustained through a public-private partnership model that combines multiple funding sources to ensure long-term stability:
- Individual Donors — community members who give monthly or annually to student supports
- Corporate Donors — local and national businesses investing in Davis County students
- Grant Funding — over $3.49 million in Utah State Board of Education grants
- Community Project Funding — $1 million in federal community project funding
- Legislative Appropriations — $3.5 million in statewide funding passed in 2022
- In-Kind Construction — donated labor and materials from firms including Hughes General Contractors, VCBO Architecture, Geneva Rock, Hogan Construction, and more
This model ensures that no single funding source determines whether a center stays open. Sustained, diversified support keeps the doors open for students who depend on these spaces every single day.
Continue This Work
With all 11 high school centers now open, the focus shifts to sustaining daily operations and expanding the Family Advocate model into every junior high. Every day, students walk through these doors looking for stability, connection, and a reason to stay engaged. Your support keeps that possible.