Project Connect
Build meaningful friendships and find community on campus.
Meeting People, Made Easier
Project Connect makes it easier to meet people, make friends, and build community. Students meet weekly with a small group of 4-6 peers across six one-hour sessions designed to help them build real connections in a welcoming and low-pressure space.
A trained student facilitator guides the group with creative conversation prompts that make it easier to talk, open up, and get to know each other.
Why Participate in Project Connect:
- Meet people outside your usual circle
- Make new friends
- Find students you can relate to
- Feel more connected
Sign Up For A Project Connect Group
Project Connect is free for all students.
What Students Are Saying
Meet the Peer Facilitators
Hyeri Lee
Year: Graduate Student
Major: Human Language & Technology
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Interests: Pilates, baking, hiking, and cats!
Why Project Connect?
I know what it feels like to adjust to a new environment, and the connections and friendships I’ve made here have really helped me feel more comfortable and supported. I hope to help other students build meaningful connections as well.
Giovanna Asamoah-Gyau
Year: Senior
Major: Medicine
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Interests: Watching movies, trying new restaurant and hanging out with love ones
Why Project Connect?
As someone who was having a difficult time finding my people and friends when I started college, I know how lonely it can get, so I want to use this opportunity to help students find their community, connect with people and make friends.
Kate Miller
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Interests: Coffee, music, physical exercise, trying new foods, watching movies.
Why Project Connect?
I am really excited to join project connect as a Facilitator because I have been impacted by feelings of loneliness in the past and I understand how the college environment really enhances these emotions. Whether it is small or big I really hope to help people make a change in their life. I look forward to meeting new students and getting to know more about them.
Skyler Labahe
Year: Senior
Major: Public Health
Hometown: Polacca, AZ
Interests: Crafting and hiking
Why Project Connect?
To help me build a better connection with people and help become a better health educator.
Dongran Yu
Year: Freshman
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Beijing, China
Interests: Drawing, fishing, and science,
Why Project Connect?
I choose to join Project Connect, because I want to help college students build friendships especially when loneliness is very prevalent right now.
Uchenna Izuegbunam
Year: Sophomore
Major: Fashion Industry’s Science and Technology
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Interests: Reading, journaling, playing cozy video games, sleeping, spending time with friends, music/singing, and hiking.
Why Project Connect?
I chose to join Project Connect because I love the idea of having an intentional space for students to share their experiences with one another, feel less alone, and feel a sense of belonging. I have definitely struggled with finding community myself, so I would love to take on a leadership role that can bridge the gap for other students to potentially build lasting connections and relationships with one another.
Connection & Wellbeing
Social connection plays an important role in student wellbeing. Meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging can help students feel supported as they adjust to college, navigate new experiences, and manage stress. Strong social connections are also associated with better mental and physical health.
Project Connect is one way Health Promotion creates opportunities and supportive spaces for students to meet new people, build meaningful relationships, strengthen their social connections, and develop a greater sense of belonging on campus.
Project Connect is a national evidence-based program that helps to build a culture of connection and community on campus.