Coronavirus Resources for Student Changemakers and Impact Organizations
We know the strain and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting student changemakers and impact organizations in an array of ways. Many in the impact community are seeking tools to help navigate through this challenging time and ways they can contribute during the crisis. We have curated a collection of online resources that offer guidance to individuals and organizations in responding to the pandemic. It includes ways to seek financial support, give back, and care for yourself and your team. We are wishing all of you safety and wellness during this time.
Here are some highlights from the resources:
For Students:
For Orgs:
Make an Impact with Your Internship
Round Two Application
Due Fri, Apr. 17
In light of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to accept applications after the April 17th priority deadline on a rolling basis. We are hopeful that this will allow students to make internship arrangements should business and social sector organizations need to restructure their internship process and timelines.
Each summer, Business+Impact awards competitive grants for summer internships to MBAs and BBA juniors in the Ross School of Business as well as MPP students in the Ford School of Public Policy.
If you are a student looking to complete a social impact internship this summer in the nonprofit, public, or private sectors, then you are eligible to apply, as long as the organization has a clearly defined social or environmental mission. This opportunity enables you to receive a stipend for summer internships in addition to project management, research, and industry coaching from B+I.
Learn Design Thinking for A Better World in Fall 2020 Course
Are you a graduate student at the University of Michigan? Register for the new graduate +Impact Studio Course (BA 670), selected as a 2019 Poets & Quants “Most Interesting Class.” Taught by Ross professor Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, the Fall 4.5 credit design thinking course will teach you practical work skills in ethnography, ecosystem mapping, ideation, prototyping, and business model design, addressing challenges determined by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and research from our award-winning faculty.
To learn more, check out these resources:
- Apply for Fall ’20 Course
- Fall ’20 Course flyer (pdf)
- Virtual Info Session for Fall ’20 Course
- Blog post by Winter ’20 course student Nan SithinamsuwanÂ
- Photo album of +Impact Studio course in the +Impact Studio space (Flickr)
- Sample syllabus from Fall 2019 (Fall 2020 syllabus to be released Spring 2020)
One searchable platform for all things impact at Ross and across campus
The Business+Impact Gateway provides you with a single location for all things impact. Here you’ll find all of the activities, people and key partners working to use their learning to make a real impact in the world.Â
Virtual Information Session for Nonprofit Organizations
Wed, May 13: Noon – 1 pm – ONLINE
We invite leaders from SE Michigan nonprofit organizations to attend an information session about the Board Fellowship Program. Graduate student Board Fellows serve as non-voting board members on nonprofit boards and complete a board-level strategic project. Organizations identify key projects such as fund development, sustainability strategies, business plans, and dashboards. For the coming year, projects could focus on the COVID-19 response or on broader strategic goals. Session attendees will learn about the program and hear from nonprofit leaders currently participating.
- 2020-21 Board Fellows Organization Application (.doc)
- 2020-21 Board Fellows Organization Information (.pdf)
Solve Problems and Build Skills Across Cultures with WDI Virtual Practicum
Now’s the time to reserve your spot in Business & Culture: A Virtual Practicum for  Fall 2020!  This exciting action-learning course on international business cultures connects you with peers from Egypt, Lebanon, Libya and the USA. This is a truly one-of-a-kind learning experience offering you an opportunity to work collaboratively in a global team environment, equipping you with the skills you need to communicate and problem-solve—essential 21st-century skills for an interconnected world.
The course (BA 310) is open to all majors at the University of Michigan.
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News & Notes
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- Corporate Boards Suffer From an ‘Experience Gap’ as the Coronavirus Upends BusinessÂ
- Startups Always Face Bankruptcy Risk. COVID-19 Has Made Things WorseÂ
- The Coronavirus Economy: When Washington Takes Over BusinessÂ
- Michigan Ross Update on COVID-19 Virus OutbreakÂ
- This Michigan Ross Alum is Helping the NHL Go Green, Drive Diversity, and Increase ImpactÂ
- Society’s Response to COVID-19 Foreshadows Even Greater Challenges in FutureÂ
- Tips from an Online MBA Student to Her Fellow Rossers On How to Be Successful in a Virtual Learning EnvironmentÂ
- Guidelines for Meaningful Connections in Today’s Virtual MeetingsÂ
- Coping with COVID-19: U-M students share their ‘new normal’ Â
- Poverty Solutions releases Michigan COVID-19 Pandemic Resource GuideÂ
- Michigan’s African American community hit hardest by coronavirus pandemicÂ
- Grocery shopping during a pandemic: U-M sustainability expert discussesÂ
- The new coronavirus emerged from the global wildlife trade – and may be devastating enough to end it Â
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At the University:
POVERTY SOUTIONS
Midwest Mobility from Poverty Conference
Tues-Wed, June 9-10
University of Michigan or Online (TBA)
The Midwest Mobility from Poverty Network is bringing together journalists and academic researchers from across the nation, with a focus on Midwest, for this conference to promote in-depth, impactful, and solutions-oriented media coverage of poverty-related issues. This conference is open to anyone interested in improving the narrative around poverty in the U.S. – from exploring new storytelling strategies to translating complex research for deeper public engagement. It may be offered in-person or virtually, depending upon the situation in Michigan at the time.
More Info
In the Impact Community:
Public Allies
Apply Now
Public Allies Metro Detroit is a program of the U of M-Dearborn, and a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Our program is made possible through funding of the Corporation for National and the Community Service and Michigan Community Service Commission. Apply now for fall opportunities
Application info
Student PIRGs
Apply Now
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Students — past, present and future — are often at the forefront of movements to build a better future for our country. The Student PIRGs work closely with The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to getting things done. This election year is a good time to get started.
Info and Application
2020 Call for Code Global Challenge
KIck-Off Event
Wed, Apr. 22 @ 7 – 10 pm EST
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Student leaders and social innovators from colleges and universities around the world with technical and non-technical backgrounds are invited to join Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) and IBM on Earth Day, April 22, for the 2020 Call for Code Global Challenge–University Edition Kick-Off virtual event! Call for Code is a multi-year global initiative to create practical, effective, and high-quality applications that can have an immediate and lasting impact on humanitarian issues.Â
Register here by Apr. 20
Co.Act Detroit Activate Fund
Application Due:
Wed, Apr. 22
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Eligible applicants must be a registered 501c3 in good standing and serve at least one of the following four counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw. Selection will also be based on forming a diverse grantee cohort, developing a peer learning community, alignment with Co.act’s values and approach to capacity building.
Info and Application
COVID-19 Business Pivot Challenge
Submit by Apr. 30
This challenge offers an open and collaborative space to develop solutions, post inspiration, gather feedback, and find partners. Participation is invited from anyone to share inspiration and ideas, from business owners and leaders to employees within companies of all types and sizes. Jump into the challenge and share inspiration and/or ideas. This 3-week sprint will be open until April 30, 2020.Â
Submission info
Proposals for Upswell 2020
Submit by May 15
Think about the enormous potential when thousands of changemakers – each one with unique perspectives, experiences, and skills – gather in Pittsburgh this October 14-16 for Upswell. From quick talks to creative problem-solving to bold prototyping you may propose events for a wide range of activities on the Upswell schedule.
Submission info
CEMEX-TEC Awards and Bootcamps
Submit by May 31
The CEMEX-TEC Award has 4 global categories, within which you can participate by registering your project. Social entrepreneurship projects must have at least one year of implementation and generate a systemic change. Projects in sustainable transformation of communities should focus on postgraduate students. Community-based and social transformation projects that have at least one year of implementation form the third group. Collaborative action projects are focused on organizations that work through intersectoral alliances, involving at least 3 sectors of society.
Submission info