What is Spanish Fork University?
- The Local Bug Guy
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
I moved to Spanish Fork in the summer of 2016. We moved from Temecula, California, because we wanted to be close to family in Utah.
We started LOCAL Bug Guy in the summer of 2011 in Temecula, and in 2020, we also opened LOCAL Bug Guy in Utah!
A few months ago, I saw this thing called Spanish Fork University advertised on the Spanish Fork Community News Facebook page. I glanced at it for like half a second and then kept scrolling. Later that day, Eric texted me and told me that I needed to apply for Spanish Fork University. (They don’t just take anybody!) I trust Eric, so I applied that night. A few weeks later, I got an email that I had been accepted!
It’s funny because I was excited, but I did not know why. I did not have any idea what Spanish Fork University was, but now that I graduated from it, I now recommend YOU to apply!
What is Spanish Fork University? It is a free 10-week course that is put on by the city of Spanish Fork. For about 2 to 3 hours per night, you will go and visit the different departments of Spanish Fork, and you will meet the people who make things happen. It is advertised as a “hands-on experience”. They underpromised and overdelivered on that “hands-on experience”.
Spanish Fork University happens twice a year. Once in the Spring and once in the fall. I graduated with the Spring 2025 class.
What did we do?
Week 1, we visited the new Spanish Fork Library and did a scavenger hunt, and met the people who make things happen! It was very eye-opening. I thought it would be boring, but it was not!
Week 2, we sat down with the city attorney and other city officials in charge of economic planning and growth. I gained a new respect for what it takes to keep a city moving! They gave us caffeine for this one–it was the least hands-on on but we did play some trivia games.
Week 3, we started at the fairgrounds and then went on a bus to visit some of the newer parks, including the amazing All Abilities park. We then came back to the fairgrounds and rode horses, roped fake steers, and did a wheelbarrow barrel racing competition! I won a Fiesta Days hat for riding horses! (The only horsemanship award I will ever win in my life). Check out this recap here
Week 4, Wastewater treatment plant (Stinky!), and then we drove a backhoe!!! We also learned about the vehicle maintenance program, the sewer maintenance program, the plows, and road maintenance etc.
Week 5, we went to the police department and did some simulations with the police. It was VERY “hands on.” we experienced what it feels like to be a cop doing a traffic stop, we did a domestic violence simulation, and we accidentally killed somebody, and then we did a simulation of going to a park to help with a mental health situation-they almost offered me a job after this one. Here is a reel I made to retell the experience!
Week 6, the plan was to go to Spanish Fork’s world-famous gun club! (I did not know this, but people come from Europe and all over the world because of the facility and the views, and somehow it’s world-class and world-famous). But due to bad weather, we rode a bus, saw more parks and rec stuff (I learned where the disc golf course is), and then we got an in-depth tour of the new Recreation Center!
Week 7, Fire and EMS–we cut up cars, sprayed a fire hose, and learned about how they went to full-time staff in order to get the response time down to 5-6 minutes when there is a fire! (and how much that costs and how that is being paid for)
Week 8, I missed this week due to my sister in law’s graduation from UVU to be a school teacher
Week 9, Airport! And also saw a demonstration of the power of electricity.
Week 10, I met with the chief of finance for the city and the city manager and did a mock city council meeting! We then had a graduation ceremony! (Photo of water bottle and certificate)
I don’t know what other cities offer this type of experience. But if your city offers it, you should do it!
I benefited from just having an understanding of how Spanish works, has such a great city and such a great culture. And I learned great appreciation for the people who keep the lights on and the sewer flowing. I feel a lot more pride in my city. Not shallow and fake pride, but a deep understanding of its flaws, yet its beauties. How does the city benefit? It has a lot more buy-in and a lot more people who understand what’s going on and who can educate and involve others. Men have the current city council members are graduates of this program. But I really believe the city just wants to improve all of our lives, and they want to accomplish their mission of Pride and Progress. Or to be more specific: We strive to build and maintain a vibrant City through personable community interactions and innovative local government services.
What if you want to experience this in Spanish Fork? How do you find out when the next one is? The first way they recruit is by sending an email to the graduates. If you are on our email list, I’ll try to let you know when the next one is starting. And if the classes are not filled by then, then they will announce it on the Spanish fork, community news, Facebook page, and Instagram. Again, it happens once in the fall and once in the spring. Usually, the fall is on Wednesday night and the spring is on Thursday night.
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