PROG Foundation

Meet Michael Ulibarri, last year’s GRIT Award recipient and Executive Director of Defy Ventures. Through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and skill-building, Defy Ventured helps incarcerated individuals prepare for new opportunities and build pathways toward economic independence. Hear from Michael about the impact of the GRIT Award—and nominate a community changemaker by midnight MDT tonight! Submit your nomination today! https://ow.ly/UpWV50Z6ghR

Over the past year, Lizzy has brought thoughtfulness, initiative, and a deep commitment to community impact to the PROG Foundation. As a Program Specialist, she helped strengthen volunteer engagement, coordinate projects, support program operations, maintain data and reporting, and contribute to meaningful experiences for participants and partners.   What stands out most is not simply what Lizzy accomplished, but how consistently she led with curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine desire to make systems better for the people served.   Lizzy's journey reflects a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. From prior AmeriCorps experience and community-based work to earning her degree in Political Science from Weber State University, she has continually invested her time and talents in strengthening communities and creating opportunity for others.   Thank you, Lizzy, for the energy, perspective, and care you have brought to the PROG Foundation. We are grateful for your contributions and excited to see where your path leads next.   #AmeriCorps #OneUtahServiceFellowship #CommunityImpact #Service #PROGFoundation Elizabeth Melendez

Last week, the Purchasing Power and Progressive Leasing marketing teams came together in person for the first time and marked the occasion by giving back.   Together, the teams built  bicycles for children supported by the Foster Care Support Foundation. As Kelsey from The Leaders Institute shared, a bicycle is often a child’s first taste of freedom. For children navigating foster care or living with family members who stepped in without resources or preparation, that freedom can mean so much.   Reflecting on the experience, Pam Probst, Senior Director of Marketing Programs & Operations, shared: “At the heart of both Purchasing Power and Progressive Leasing is the same belief: everyone deserves access to the things that make life better and feel full of possibility. Sometimes that’s a bike. Sometimes it’s a laptop for a child’s first day of school, a washer and dryer, or new tires to get to work. The need may change, but the mission doesn’t.”   Thank you to Pam for capturing the heart behind this experience, and to the Foster Care Support Foundation and The Leaders Institute for helping our teams turn their first in-person gathering into an opportunity to make a tangible difference. 🚲💜

🚨Applications for the Emerging Voices Council are now open! Are you ready to meet new people, grow professionally, and become more involved in your community? The Emerging Voices Council is a space for young adults ages 18–24 to build meaningful connections, gain leadership experience, and help shape community initiatives alongside other emerging leaders. As one council member shared, the experience “provides a foundation for young adults to create a pathway that shapes their professional life through networking and volunteer opportunities.” Scan the QR code or visit https://ow.ly/M2Wg50Zy9Ip to apply and bring your voice to the table. #EmergingVoicesCouncil #YoungProfessionals #Leadership #WestValleyCity #CommunityImpact

What does GRIT look like in action? For Destiny Garcia, it means using her lived experience to create opportunities for others. Through her work at Clean Slate Utah, Destiny helps people impacted by criminal records move forward. A cleared record can open doors that were previously closed—from securing stable employment and housing to pursuing education and building greater financial stability for their families. Now it’s your turn to help us recognize someone who embodies Giving, Respecting, Involving, and Transforming through their commitment to the community. The 2026 GRIT Award recipient will have the opportunity to direct a $5,000 donation to the nonprofit of their choice. Who in your community demonstrates GRIT? Visit the link in our bio to nominate them or visit: https://ow.ly/eRVv50ZvXXv

🎉 Congratulations to our Cybersecurity Cohort graduates!   Over the past several months, these students have dedicated themselves to building in-demand cybersecurity skills, tackling hands-on learning experiences, and preparing for careers in technology. Their hard work, resilience, and commitment have brought them to this exciting milestone.   As they move into the next chapter, many will begin internship placements with businesses near and far who believe in the next generation, where they'll continue gaining real-world experience, strengthening their skills, and taking the next step toward careers in cybersecurity.   Stay until the end of the video to hear a moving letter from one graduate who couldn't attend the ceremony, read by our Director, Beth Martial. It's a meaningful reflection on the impact this journey has had and the community that made it possible.   A special thank you to our partners—Utah Tech University, Pluralsight, Progressive Leasing Information Security career coaches, and instructor Jordan Brockman—for sharing your expertise, mentorship, and encouragement throughout this program. Your investment in our students is helping prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.   Congratulations, graduates! We're so proud of you! 👏💙

Ready to take the next step toward your goals?    The PROG GED Completion Program offers in-person classes with certified teachers to help students ages 16-24 prepare fpr and earn their GED while building skills for work, college, and beyond.    Classes are held at the PROG Development Center in West Valley City.    Scan the QR code or visit https://ow.ly/fcKq50Zu0Ph to register and get started!

Great solutions start with the right mindset. 💡 Whether you’re navigating challenges at work, school, or in everyday life, design thinking can help you tackle problems with creativity and confidence. In this workshop, you’ll learn a practical framework for solving real-world problems and leave with tools you can apply immediately. 📅 Friday, August 7 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM 📍 Virtual - Sign up to get the link! 🔗 Scan the QR Code or visit https://lnkd.in/e8UYngh7 to RSVP

We're looking for volunteer interviewers to support the next generation of IT talent! Join us at the PROG Development Center for an evening of mock interviews with our CompTIA Security+ cohort. Volunteer interviewers will conduct brief, structured interviews and offer participants honest feedback and encouragement as they prepare to enter the workforce. No preparation is required-your professional experience is exactly what our students need. 🗓️Wednesday, August 5, 2026 ⏰5:30 p.m -8:00 p.m. 📍PROG Development Center, West Valley City Interested in volunteering? Email Luis Lopez at luis.lopez@progleasing.com to sign up. #Cybersecurity #VolunteerOpportunity #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerReadiness #WestValleyCity