Timeline
Application deadline:
11:59 PM MT, Friday, August 22, 2025
Notifications sent:
By October 31, 2025
Implementation:
To begin in 2026 Q3
(subject to project-specific adjustments)
Student Associate Program Details
Fall Semester - 15 to 20 hrs/week:
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Source organizations making an impact in the housing affordability space that fit within Ivory Innovations’ three criteria: Affordability, Scalability, Innovation
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Schedule, plan, and attend calls with company founders and executives to perform deeper diligence on potential nominees
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Act as a company liaison/representative to communicate between sourced companies and the Ivory Innovations team
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Write executive memos on each sourced company that include: Project Description, Business Model, Innovation, Key Metrics, Risks & Barriers to Scale, and Team Information
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Pitch sourced companies to the Selection Committee
Spring Semester - 5 to 15 hrs/week:-
Attend judging sessions and be prepared to answer questions about companies from the Advisory Board
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Conduct further diligence to write 5-page memos for Top 25 finalists and create/present PowerPoints for Top 10 Finalists
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Continue to act as a point of contact between companies and Ivory Innovations
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Students will have opportunities for additional research projects for portfolio organizations
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Passion for innovative, impactful, and solution-focused organizations and policies
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Interest in housing issues and policies
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Experience researching an synthesizing government policies or a public planning background
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Sophisticated oral and written communication, organization, and time management skills
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Enrollment at the University of Utah during the 2025-26 school year
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Attend in-person Monday meetings from 4:30-5:30 PM located in the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles Business Building (SFEBB)
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Attend weekly team virtual team meetings
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Work for 2.5+ hours in office during specified time blocks
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Paid internship - $14/hour
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Hybrid schedule
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Travel opportunities
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Networking opportunities
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Potential summer internship
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Opportunities for growth within the company
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Business writing
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Business analysis and risk assessment
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Due diligence
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Understanding the financial and regulatory hurdles of real estate development
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The home-buying process
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Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
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How local, state, and federal policies impact housing supply
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Construction methods, building process, and design techniques
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The depth and breadth of the real estate industry and career opportunities available
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Extensive research and analytical skills
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Questions?
For questions about Fieldworks, please contact fieldworks@ivoryinnovations.org.
Fieldworks applications are currently closed. Thank you to all who applied for our inaugural Fieldworks project - Innovation Park at Mahogany Ridge. Applicants will be updated on our selection process no later than October 31, 2025. We expect to announce our next project-specific application window in Q2 of 2026. For updates related to Fieldworks, the Ivory Prize, and all things housing innovation, sign up for our newsletter.
Student Associate Areas of Focus
Construction & Design
University of Utah undergraduate and graduate students interested in real estate, construction, or architecture will benefit from the role as a Construction Associate with Ivory Innovations. Interns will build a deeper understanding of the building process, learn about innovative design techniques, and connect with construction & architecture experts from across the country.
Finance
University of Utah undergraduate and graduate students interested in Private Equity/Venture Capital sourcing or impact investing will benefit from the role as a Finance Associate with Ivory Innovations. Interns will build skills in sourcing, business writing, and company diligence, as well as connect with experienced founders with backgrounds in finance, real estate, startups, and technology.
Policy &
Regulatory Reform
University of Utah undergraduate and graduate students interested in local, state, or federal government and housing policies will benefit from the role as a Policy Associate with Ivory Innovations. Interns will build skills in research, policy evaluation, and writing, as well as connect with policy leaders and experts from across the country.
Summer Internship Opportunities
Ivory Innovations offers qualifying Student Associates the opportunity to find a summer internship (May-August) with companies sourced through the Ivory Prize nomination process.
Check out where our Associates have interned
What We're Looking For
We’re seeking market-ready innovations - products, services, or systems that can be implemented in real-world affordable and workforce housing projects in Utah.
Before applying, please review the information on this page as well as our program overview and FAQ.