Morgan Stanley Community Development Graduate Fellow

April 16, 2026

About the Organization

Project Read changes lives through literacy and empowers individuals, strengthens families, builds communities, and creates new cycles of intergenerational literacy. We believe that every person has the right to the options and opportunities that literacy provides. When literacy is achieved, doors are opened, opportunities gained, and lives are changed. Project Read provides individual tutoring and small group instruction to help individuals improve their ability to read, write, compute, and use technology sufficiently to meet personal goals, function well in society, and become more productive citizens. Project Read students live in Salt Lake or Utah County, are at least 16 years old, speak English competently, and test below a high school level in reading or math. Project Read serves minority adults, low-income adults, and at-risk and special-needs adults, as well as those with learning disabilities. Project Read students are a presumed benefit category for low-moderate income (LMI) services. Project Read is the only organization that strictly serves the needs of this population in Utah.

In FY2025, 286 volunteers donated 8,158 hours and helped Project Read serve 233 students to improve their literacy skills, impacting their own lives as well as the lives of their spouses and children. 315 immediate family members were impacted by Project Read services in FY2025. During FY2025, 88 percent of the Project Read students who were retested using the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) increased their skills in either reading or math, with 82 percent achieving a level gain. Project Read also uses Digital Skills curriculum and assessments from Northstar Digital Literacy. In FY2025, 94 percent of Project Read’s basic literacy students achieved at least one literacy-related goal.

Since its inception in 1984, Project Read has been a leader in literacy empowerment, uniquely positioning us as the premier provider for enhancing literacy in Utah and Salt Lake Counties. Project Read continues to expand programming, which now includes one-on-one tutoring, over 20 hours of small group instruction in areas including reading, writing, math, and digital skills. Labs are targeted on “contextualized instructional practices,” including quarterly focuses on Health Literacy, Financial Literacy, Employment Preparation, and Civics Education.

Fellowship Project Description

This project aims to enhance educational and community engagement in the Salt Lake County area. It includes a variety of initiatives designed to meet the needs of underserved populations, including organizing community outreach events, supporting the compilation of an anthology that highlights student talent, and maintaining a library of resources available to both students and volunteers. The Fellow’s specific responsibilities will involve assisting with volunteer management, specifically focused on recruiting new volunteers, and managing volunteer postings. Additionally, the Fellow will support event coordination for initiatives such as a volunteer appreciation event and a fundraising event specific to Salt Lake. Key objectives of the project are to improve community access to educational resources, foster engagement through events and volunteerism, and build stronger networks of support for local students. The project seeks to address the need for consistent educational support and community connection in an area where such resources are scarce.

Description of the role the Fellow would be expected to play in the project (Please note Fellows are not allowed to engage in lobbying or advocacy)

August-December 2026:

Review current student and volunteer recruitment plans
Review and train on Google ads campaigns
Collaborate on Pie Before Dinner volunteer appreciation event

January-June 2027:

Compile and prepare an annual student anthology for publication
Assist with Spelling Bee fundraising event

Ongoing for the duration of the fellowship:

Maintain Google ads campaigns for recruitment
Maintain a library of resources for students and volunteers
Attend community outreach events
Maintain volunteer recruitment listings
Find and execute new ways of recruiting volunteers

Work Environment

We would like the Fellow to be able to work in person in our Salt Lake office at 141 East 5600 South, #301 in Murray at least half of their assigned hours. There may also be events and meetings at other locations. The Fellow will have access to our organizational SharePoint and database, as well as a Project Read email to facilitate communication.

Description of key characteristics or specific skills of a Fellow that would fit your organization’s needs

Must Have:

Commitment to mission: Demonstrates a genuine passion for adult literacy, educational access, and serving low-income and underserved populations.
Strong communication skills: Able to clearly and professionally communicate with volunteers, students, and community partners across diverse backgrounds.
Organizational & project management skills: Can manage multiple priorities with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Initiative & problem-solving: Proactively identifies needs (e.g., volunteer recruitment gaps) and implements creative, practical solutions.
Collaboration & relationship-building: Works effectively with staff, volunteers, and community partners; builds trust and maintains positive relationships.
Reliability & accountability: Consistently meets deadlines and follows through on commitments in a dynamic, community-focused environment.

Nice to Have:

Experience with volunteer management or nonprofit work in recruitment, coordination, or engagement.
Marketing or outreach experience, including social media, digital campaigns, or community engagement strategies.
Experience working with diverse adult learners or in education, tutoring, or workforce development settings.
Data tracking and evaluation skills, with the ability to monitor outcomes and improve processes.
Creativity and innovation, especially in developing new approaches to volunteer recruitment and community engagement.

Required Qualifications (Must-Haves)

Demonstrated commitment to education, literacy, or working with underserved and diverse populations.
Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and engage effectively with volunteers and community partners.
Proficiency with basic digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Suite) and willingness to learn platforms like Google Ads for outreach and recruitment.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves)

Experience in a nonprofit, education, or community-based setting, particularly with volunteer coordination or support.
Community outreach experience, including coordinating logistics and engaging participants.
Background in marketing, communications, or content development (e.g., social media, writing, or publication support).

Targeted College Majors / Areas of Focus

We welcome candidates from a variety of backgrounds, particularly those studying:

Education, Adult Education, or Special Education
Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or Social Work
Communications, Marketing, or English (writing/editing focus)

We also value candidates from other fields who demonstrate a strong commitment to community engagement and educational equity.

Benefits

$25,000 stipend for the ten-month part-time (20 hours per week) fellowship
The opportunity to build their professional network
Receive academic credit, in accordance with the policies of their respective academic programs

Apply

To learn more and apply online, click here.

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