On May 20 at Millcreek City Hall, we celebrated new and graduating recipients of the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship Fund for Youth alongside families, educators, and several individuals who make the scholarship program possible. The celebration honored 14 scholarship recipients who graduated from the University of Utah, Utah Valley University, and Salt Lake Community College this spring with degrees ranging from information technology and biomedical engineering to social work and nursing. Three new scholarship recipients graduating from Kearns and Hillcrest high schools were also acknowledged at the event.
A Legacy of Impact
The scholarship program was founded in 2015 to honor the retirement of Deborah Bayle, former President and CEO of United Way of Salt Lake, whose leadership over 16 years made a significant impact on the organization and broader community. Bayle notes that providing scholarships for youth who have been impacted by the work of United Way of Salt Lake empowers students to become community changemakers themselves.
“What this program does is take those individuals and help them the rest of the way so that they can go on to college, that they can go on to have a successful career and help themselves, help their families and give back to the community,” Bayle said.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship Fund for Youth. Over the last decade, the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship has been awarded to 102 students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In addition to financial support for tuition, books, housing, and other education expenses, United Way of Salt Lake staff provide students with resources to ensure they are on track to graduate.
Celebrating Bright Futures
Alondra is a scholarship recipient and recent graduate of the Dental Hygiene program at Salt Lake Community College. Alondra plans to gain work experience as a dental hygienist for a few years and then return to school to earn her bachelor’s degree. She shared how receiving the scholarship has impacted her education journey at the celebration event.
"At times, college felt like an impossible goal. The Deborah Bayle Scholarship was with me every step of the way,” she said. “I’m so grateful because these dreams aren’t just mine. They’re also for my family and for the community I hope to serve.”
Sarah is another scholarship recipient who graduated this semester from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in psychology. At the celebration event, Sarah shared plans to become a Physician’s Assistant and expressed gratitude for receiving support from the scholarship.
“This scholarship didn’t just help me through school; it helped me find my purpose,” Sarah said. “I am incredibly grateful for the financial support it provided. Beyond the monetary help, the scholarship served as a heartfelt reminder that there are people who believe in me and want to see me succeed. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity, and I carry that gratitude with me every step of the way as I continue striving to make the most of my education.”
Lizbeth is graduating from Kearns High School this spring and is one of the three new scholarship recipients celebrated at the event. Lizbeth shared challenges she’s overcome and her plans to continue her education at Salt Lake Community College studying nutrition.
“I'm the first in my family to go to college,” Lizbeth said. “This scholarship is not just financial support—it's a vote of confidence. A reminder that hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning truly matter. For me, it has been a door that opens to new opportunities, new challenges, and above all, a better version of myself.”
We extend a huge congratulations to all new and graduating scholarship recipients on their hard work and accomplishments, and best of luck as they continue in their bright futures. We also give heartfelt thanks to the scholarship committee members, sponsors, and donors who make this program possible. Visit our website for more information about the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship Fund for Youth and to find updates about the next application cycle. We extend a huge congratulations to all new and graduating scholarship recipients on their hard work and accomplishments, and best of luck as they continue in their bright futures. We also give heartfelt thanks to the scholarship committee members, sponsors, and donors who make this program possible. Visit our website for more information about the Deborah S. Bayle Scholarship Fund for Youth and to find updates about the next application cycle.
Written by Jenna Fischer, Content Strategist
