Experiential Learning and Community Partnerships

The SMART Lab at Utah State University transforms classrooms into creative studios and analytics hubs where students apply their skills to real-world challenges. Our experiential learning program connects well-trained, high-achieving students with Utah’s businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, among others, that want to strengthen their social media presence and strategy.

Each semester, SMART Lab Fellows are seconded to partner organizations to:

• Create and curate content that aligns with the organization’s mission and audience.
• Conduct professional social media audits to assess engagement, visibility, and message consistency.
• Design data-driven strategic plans that guide long-term online communication.
• Manage and evaluate social media campaigns using advanced analytic tools.

Our students are trained in social media analytics, content development, audience insights, and digital storytelling, combining creativity with technical expertise. Partnerships are intentionally structured to provide mutual benefit: students gain professional experience while partners receive high-quality, research-informed support, completely free of charge for selected clients on a semester basis.

Even though partnership decisions are made on a rolling basis, applications from potential clients are due twice a year:

• October 31 for Spring semester placements
• July 1 for Fall semester placements

If your department, organization, or agency would like to host SMART Lab Fellows to enhance your social media strategy, please email Dr. Aggrey Willis Otieno directly at aggrey.otieno@usu.edu with a short description of your organization, social media needs, and preferred timeline.

Partner with SMART Lab to turn data into dialogue, and let our students help you transform your digital voice into measurable impact.